Dr. Oz and Glutathione
What is Immunocal?
Immunocal is an all-natural non-prescription health product available worldwide. This
special protein holds many national and international patents and is medically recognized in
the Physicians’ Desk Reference (“PDR” U.S.A.) and Compendium of
Pharmaceutical Specialties (“CPS” Canada). It has undergone over 30 years of
research and has been taken safely and effectively by millions of individuals.
What does Immunocal do?
Immunocal acts in two ways – it is a very high quality protein that provides
all the amino acids your body needs, and, more critically, it raises a substance
in your body called “glutathione”. Glutathione plays many roles in your body,
the four most important of which can be summarized by the acronym:
AID = E2
A –
Antioxidant: Glutathione is the body’s “Master Antioxidant”
I –
Immune System: Glutathione is critical for immune function
D –
Detoxification: Glutathione is your cell's key detoxification
enzyme
E2–
Glutathione contributes to your overall energy at
many levels
How does Immunocal work?
The Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada has issued an NPN
(Natural Product Number) for the specific health claim “Immunocal is a
natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a
strong immune system.” (NPN-80004370)
Immunocal contains specific fragile proteins that supply your body with the
building blocks needed for the production of glutathione in your cells.
These building blocks are called “precursors” and glutathione precursors are
relatively rare in our normal diets. Unfortunately, eating glutathione itself
does not effectively raise glutathione in the cells; this is why we need the
precursors.
Why is glutathione important?
Glutathione is an essential component of your cells, with low glutathione
levels, cells cannot perform many of their functions properly. Although
glutathione functions in dozens of roles in our metabolism, the major functions
can be summarized in four areas:
- It is the major antioxidant produced by the body.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C or E cannot be made by your body and in fact
could not work properly if glutathione were not present.
- Our immune systems depend on a steady supply of
glutathione. Without it, our immune defenses become weakened.
- It is important in detoxifying many substances including
heavy metals, breakdown products of cigarettes and automobile exhaust, many
cancer-causing agents, and a multitude of pollutants and toxins we encounter
on a daily basis.
- The major source of energy produced in our cells is
derived from tiny structures called mitochondria. These mitochondria would
literally burn up without the presence of glutathione.
Do healthy people need
glutathione?
Optimal glutathione levels are important for everyone. Although you are
hopefully in good health right now, glutathione levels fall as we age, and are
lowered by a great number of very common illnesses. There is a constant demand
for glutathione in our daily life; stress, pollution and infectious disease are
all causes of glutathione depletion. For those that exercise regularly,
glutathione is especially important to replenish to avoid injury, improve
recovery time and keep your immune system strong.
Which illnesses may be
affected by raising glutathione?
Many disease states are characterized by low glutathione levels. Immunocal
has been developed as a strategy to help sustain glutathione levels. Glutathione
deficiency states include, but are not limited to: AIDS and cancer muscle
wasting, chemical and infectious hepatitis, radiation poisoning, malnutrition
states, strong physical stress, and acetaminophen toxicity. Many other problems
including cardiovascular, lung, digestive and kidney disorders are associated
with glutathione deficiency and are cited in numerous medical references.
Is Immunocal safe to take with medication?
There have been no known harmful side effects of using Immunocal or any other Immunotec product while on medications. However, to be safe, it is suggested to consult with your physician if you have any questions.
How much should I take and
when should I take it?
As a natural source of the glutathione cysteine precursor for the maintenance
of the good health, 10 grams per day (one pouch) is recommended. As a natural
source of the glutathione cysteine precursor for the maintenance of a strong
immune system, 20 grams per day is recommended (two pouches). Clinical trials in
patients with AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and
chronic fatigue syndrome have used 30 - 40 grams per day without ill effect.
Immunocal is best administered on an empty stomach or with a light meal.
Concomitant intake of another high protein load may adversely affect absorption.
How many packages are in one box of Immunocal?
There are thirty (30) packages of Immunocal in every box. This is the same for Immunocal or Immunocal Platinum.
What is Immunocal Platinum?
More Valuable than GOLD!
Immunocal has been Immunotec’s flagship product for years. Immunocals’ action
is based on the benefits of raising glutathione. The wealth of research on
glutathione and the aging process speaks for itself. What is it about the
“Platinum” formulation that takes this a step further? Let’s examine this
closer.
The major impact on your health that Immunocal bestows is by providing the
building blocks or “precursors” for your cells to be able to make glutathione.
This is a technology that we continue to refine. Both Immunocal and Immunocal
Platinum represent the only patented protein proven to do this. In the
development of Immunocal Platinum, we have looked very carefully both at protein
metabolism and at potential components of whey proteins that relate to aging.
Two separate formulations have been added to Immunocal – CMP™* and RMF.
CMP (Cytokine Modulating Peptides)
Cytokines are little molecules that the immune system uses to regulate
inflammation. Inflammation plays a role not only in issues like aches and pains,
but also in cardiovascular and neurological health. Inflammation has been
pointed to as one of the key factors driving the aging process. What CMP does,
is “turn down the volume” on these cytokines.
*CMP is a trademark of Glanbia LLC.
RMF (Redox Modulating Formula)
RMF is an exclusive development from Immunotec’s research and development
team mastered by Dr. Wulf Dröge. The major objective here was to decrease the
amount of acid formed in the body (important to the kidneys), and as a second
benefit, reduces the amount of calcium lost (important in bone health).
Who should take Platinum?
We all should take Platinum. Although it was initially developed with the
“Baby-Boomers” and geriatric populations in mind, it became clear that there
were benefits for overweight individuals, athletic individuals, people with
circulation challenges and others. Certainly, good old Immunocal has proven
benefits for all these groups, but Platinum represents the next generation in
immune enhancement and will become the new standard in the immune health market.
The recommended serving size is unchanged from Immunocal and it can be combined
with Immunocal as desired.
Turn a triple into a HOME RUN!
Immunocal Platinum provides a triple action on your immune health – Raising
glutathione represents Preventative immunity, the cytokine modulating proteins
representing Reparative Immunity. Attention to the proper acid-base balance
helps lead to Sustained Immunity. Turn this triple into a homer by topping it
off with the other supplements your health professional may recommend to you!
Does Immunocal contain any additives?
The product is additive-free; the sole ingredient is undenatured whey protein isolate.
Can a person who is lactose-intolerant take Immunocal?
Yes, since each pouch of Immunocal contains less than 1% lactose, it is usually well-tolerated in people who are lactose-intolerant. It should be noted that being lactose-intolerant is different than having a milk protein allergy.
How does the manufacture of Immunocal differ from other whey proteins?
Immunotec’s proprietary manufacturing process preserves the critical disulfide bonds in the glutathione precursor cysteine. By delivering this delicate protein to the cell, it enables the body to create glutathione and maximize immune system levels. Other whey proteins are often manufactured using extreme heat and harsh methods of mixing, resulting in a denatured and ineffective product.
Why can’t glutathione be taken in pill form?
Glutathione is produced by the body in the cell when the necessary precursors are provided. Immunocal delivers cysteine to the cell so that it can produce glutathione. Pills pass through the digestive system and little, if any, glutathione is absorbed.
Immunocal Platinum works with the body to repair damaged cells and to improve mood, energy, well-being, alertness, concentration and clarity, all important to the maturing population. It also helps maintain proper muscle function and maintain bone health by reducing calcium loss.
The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) is the authoritative source of FDA approved information on prescription drugs. Although Immunocal is a natural, non‑drug supplement, it appears in the
U.S. Physicians' Desk Reference.
However, immunocal is also available without a prescription.
The CPS or Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties is published yearly and is distributed to Canadian Physicians and Pharmacists. Although Immunocal is a natural, non‑drug supplement, it appears in the CPS.
However, immunocal is also available without a prescription.
Immunocal is listed in the U.S. Pharmacists' Red Book. Celebrating 110
years of service, the Red Book remains the Pharmacy's most reliable
source for product information and prices on prescription drugs, OTC
items, and reimbursable medical supplies. 
Immunocal is eligible for Medicare/Medicaid coverage and reimbursement. It is also covered by many private insurance programs. 
