The small intestine is responsible for absorbing our dietary nutrients, but it also plays a role in warding off toxic chemicals and life-threatening bacteria. Yale researchers now report on the critical role that the gut’s immune system plays in these key processes. Their studies suggest that the gastrointestinal (GI) immune system not only defends against pathogens, it also regulates which nutrients are taken in. The team’s findings may offer up new insights into origins of metabolic disease and malnutrition that is common in some undeveloped regions of the world.
