What is Pure Encapsulations GI Integrity and who is it for?
GI Integrity is a four-ingredient formula designed to support the structure and function of your gastrointestinal lining. It combines L-glutamine (the gut’s preferred fuel source), N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (a building block for the protective mucosal layer), gamma oryzanol (traditionally used in gastric support), and a concentrated aloe vera extract standardised for polysaccharide content. This is formulated for adults aged 18 and up who want targeted nutritional support for intestinal health and the integrity of the mucosal barrier.
You might consider this if you’re dealing with ongoing digestive discomfort, have been advised by a practitioner to support your gut lining, or are managing a condition where intestinal integrity matters. It’s also useful if you’re taking steps to rebuild digestive resilience after a period of stress, dietary changes, or other factors that affect gut health. This makes sense as a foundational support rather than a quick fix—it’s designed to work over weeks, not days.
Fairfield Nutrition Thoughts
Intestinal permeability and mucosal integrity are increasingly recognised as foundational to both digestive health and broader immune function. Many people dealing with ongoing digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or immune challenges benefit from targeted support for the gut barrier itself, not just symptom management. GI Integrity addresses this directly by providing the specific amino acids and plant compounds the intestinal lining needs to maintain its structure and function.
The evidence here is solid. L-glutamine’s role in maintaining enterocyte health and villous function is well-established in clinical literature, and the formula’s other ingredients have both traditional use and preclinical support. Aloe vera polysaccharides, in particular, have shown positive results in human trials for intestinal support. We stock this because it’s a clean, well-dosed formulation from a brand known for rigorous quality standards, and because the combination of ingredients addresses multiple aspects of mucosal health rather than relying on a single compound.
Why This Formulation / How It Works
Most single-ingredient gut support products focus on either amino acid replacement (glutamine alone) or plant compounds (aloe, slippery elm). GI Integrity combines both approaches, plus adds N-acetyl-d-glucosamine—a direct precursor to the glycosaminoglycans that make up the mucosal matrix itself. This multi-target approach makes sense because the intestinal lining isn’t maintained by one nutrient; it requires amino acids for tissue repair, polysaccharides for structural integrity, and compounds that support the immune and inflammatory environment of the gut.
The formula uses concentrated, standardised extracts rather than whole plant powders. The aloe vera is a 200:1 extract standardised to 10% polysaccharides, which means you’re getting a consistent, research-backed dose without the volume of whole plant material. Gamma oryzanol comes from rice bran and has a long history of use in gastrointestinal applications. L-glutamine is fermented from vegetables, and the N-acetyl-d-glucosamine is derived from sustainable shellfish sources. Pure Encapsulations is GMP certified and known for rigorous third-party testing, so formulation integrity matters here.
Glutamine for enterocyte fuel and tissue repair: L-glutamine is the preferred fuel source for intestinal cells and immune cells in the small intestine. It supports the structural integrity of the mucosal lining and maintains healthy villous function—the finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. When the gut is under stress (whether from dietary factors, inflammation, or other causes), glutamine becomes conditionally essential, and supplementation can help restore function.
N-acetyl-d-glucosamine for mucosal matrix: This compound is a building block of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins found in the gut’s protective mucosal surface. Rather than just supporting repair, it provides the raw materials the gut lining uses to maintain its structural matrix. This is particularly useful if you’re looking to actively rebuild mucosal integrity rather than just reduce inflammation.
Aloe vera polysaccharides and gamma oryzanol for immune and inflammatory support: Aloe vera’s polysaccharide-rich inner fillet supports healthy prostaglandin metabolism, immune mediator activity, and antioxidant defenses in the gut environment. Gamma oryzanol has traditional use and preclinical support for moderating gastric secretions and promoting normal gut function. Together, they create a supportive environment for the intestinal lining to heal and function optimally.
When to Consider This
This formulation makes sense if you’re:
- Dealing with ongoing digestive discomfort and want to support the structural integrity of your gut lining, not just manage symptoms.
- Managing a food sensitivity or inflammatory digestive condition where mucosal barrier support is part of your recovery strategy.
- Rebuilding digestive resilience after a period of stress, dietary changes, or other factors that affect gut health.
- Taking steps to support your immune system from the gut up, since intestinal integrity is foundational to immune function.
This is less suitable if you’re looking for immediate symptom relief (it works over weeks, not hours) or if your primary concern is microbial balance rather than structural integrity. In those cases, you might pair this with a probiotic or consider other approaches alongside it.
How to Use
Take 2 capsules twice daily, with or between meals. This gives you a total of 4 capsules per day. You can take them with food if that suits your routine, or between meals if you prefer. Most people see noticeable support after 3-4 weeks of consistent use, so plan to use this for at least a month before assessing whether it’s making a difference for you. If you’re working with a practitioner, they may adjust the dose based on your specific situation.
Ingredients
Per 2-capsule serving:
- L-Glutamine: 1000 mg
- N-Acetyl-d-glucosamine: 400 mg
- Aloe vera (inner fillet) extract (200:1, standardised to 10% polysaccharides): 300 mg
- Gamma oryzanol (from rice bran): 50 mg
Other ingredients: Hypoallergenic plant cellulose capsule, ascorbyl palmitate (antioxidant)
Allergen information: Contains shellfish (N-acetyl-d-glucosamine derived from crab and shrimp). Free from common allergens including gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts.
Common Questions
How long does it take to work?
Most people notice support after 3-4 weeks of consistent use. The intestinal lining rebuilds gradually, so this isn’t a quick-fix supplement. If you’re not noticing a difference after 6-8 weeks, it may not be the right fit for your situation, and it’s worth discussing with your practitioner.
Can I take this with other supplements?
Yes. GI Integrity works well alongside probiotics, omega-3s, and most other supplements. If you’re taking medications or have specific health conditions, check with your practitioner first, particularly if you’re on blood thinners or managing a shellfish allergy (the N-acetyl-d-glucosamine is derived from shellfish).
Is the aloe vera extract safe?
The formula uses the inner fillet of aloe (the polysaccharide-rich gel), not the latex (the yellow substance under the skin), which is the part traditionally used as a laxative. This extract has clinical support for intestinal health and is considered safe for internal use at this dose. A human clinical trial showed positive intestinal support after 4 weeks of aloe vera supplementation.
Do I need to take this forever?
Not necessarily. Many people use GI Integrity for 2-3 months to rebuild mucosal integrity, then reassess. Some continue at a maintenance dose if they’re managing an ongoing condition. Work with your practitioner to decide what makes sense for your situation.
What’s the difference between this and slippery elm or other gut-soothing herbs?
Slippery elm and similar herbs coat and soothe the gut lining. GI Integrity takes a different approach: it provides the specific amino acids and compounds your intestinal cells need to actually repair and rebuild the mucosal layer. Both can be useful, and some people use them together—soothing support alongside structural support.




















