Immunocal Platinum
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.
The PDR or Physicians’ Desk Reference is published yearly and is distributed to American Physicians and Pharmacists. Although Immunocal is a natural, non-drug supplement, it has appeared in the PDR every year since 2001. It is a honor to appear in this prestigious publication.
| Description | Precautions | Dosage and Administration |
| Clinical Pharmacology | Warnings | How Supplied |
| Indications and Usage | Adverse Reactions | Storage |
| Contraindications | Overdosage | References |
Immunocal is a patented natural food supplement which assists the body in maintaining optimal concentrations of glutathione (GSH) by supplying the precursors required for intracellular glutathione synthesis. These precursors are derived from a specially prepared bovine whey protein isolate. Glutathione (L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine) is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cell. Glutathione participates directly in the neutralization of free radicals, reactive oxygen compounds, and maintains exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms. In addition, through direct conjugation, glutathione plays a role in the detoxification of many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) both organic and inorganic. Glutathione availability is an essential component of the humoral immune response by offsetting oxidative damage resulting from the clonal expansion and inherent metabolism of lymphocytes.
Top of PageThe systemic availability of oral glutathione is negligible, the vast majority of it must be manufactured intracellularly. Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide made up of the three amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Glutamate and glycine are readily available in most North American diets, but the availability of cysteine tends to be the rate-limiting event for the synthesis of glutathione within the cell. It is the sulfhydryl (thiol) group (SH) of cysteine that serves as protein-donor and is responsible for the biochemical activity of glutathione. The free amino acid cysteine does not represent an ideal delivery system to the cell. It is potentially toxic and is spontaneously catabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and blood serum. Conversely, cysteine present as cystine (two cysteine molecules linked by a disulfide bond) released during digestion in the gastrointestinal tract is more stable than the free amino acid cysteine: the disulfide bond is pepsin- and trypsin-resistant, but may be split by heat and mechanical stress. In this way, cystine travels safely through the GI tract and blood serum and is promptly reduced to the two cysteine molecules on cell entry. Immunocal can thus be viewed as a cysteine delivery vehicle.
Specially prepared whey protein isolates contain the thermolabile proteins serum albumin, alpha lactalbumin and lactoferrin. These proteins contain high levels of cystine residues that could be denatured by heat or mechanical stress (unfortunately inherent to most extraction processes). Hence, in serum albumin there are 17 cysteine residues and 6 glutamylcystine (Glu-Cys) dipeptides; in lactoferrin 17 cystine residues and 4 Glu-Cys dipeptides; and in alpha‑lactalbumin 4 cystine residues. In particular, the Glu-Cys dipeptides very readily enter the cell to be synthesized into GSH. Of interest, the Glu-Cys dipeptide is an exclusive feature of the only obligatory foods in the early life of mammals and oviparous species, those being milk and egg white respectively. When subject to heat or shearing forces, the fragile disulfide bonds within these peptides are broken and the bioavailability of the glutathione precursors is greatly diminished.
As an antioxidant, glutathione is essential for allowing lymphocytes to express their full potential, without being hampered by oxyradical accumulation during the oxygen-requiring development of the immune response. In a similar fashion, GSH delays the muscular fatigue induced by oxyradicals during the aerobic phase of strenuous muscular contraction.
As a detoxification agent, glutathione has been demonstrated to be effective against chemical pollutants, various carcinogens and ultraviolet radiation.
Glutathione is a tightly regulated intracellular constituent and is limited in its production by negative feedback inhibition of its own synthesis through the enzyme gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase.
Top of PageImmunocal is a natural food supplement and, in the U.S., a dietary supplement, and, as such, medical claims per se are limited. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is thus not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease.
Glutathione augmentation is a clinical strategy to address states of
glutathione deficiency, antioxidant deficiency, high oxidative stress, and
certain toxic overloads in which glutathione plays a part in the detoxification
of the xenobiotic in question. Glutathione deficiency states include, but are
not limited to: AIDS and cancer cachexia, chemical and infectious hepatitis,
radiation poisoning, malnutritive states, arduous physical stress, and
acetaminophen toxicity. Many pathologies are associated with oxidative stress
and are elaborated upon in numerous medical references.
Immunocal is contraindicated in individuals who develop or have known hypersensitivity to specific milk proteins.
Top of PageEach sachet of Immunocal contains nine grams (9 g) of protein. Patients on a protein-restricted diet need to take this into account when calculating their daily protein load. Although a bovine milk derivative, Immunocal contains less than 1% lactose and therefore is generally well tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals.
Top of PagePatients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health professional.
Heating or adding Immunocal to a hot liquid, or use of a power blender to reconstitute it will significantly decrease the effectiveness of the product.
Top of PageGastrointestinal bloating and cramps if not sufficiently rehydrated. Transient urticarial-like rash in rare individuals undergoing severe detoxification reaction. Rash abates when product intake stopped or reduced.
Top of PageOverdosing on Immunocal has not been reported. Unless hypersensitive to the constituents, no toxicity of milk proteins has been described.
Top of PageMaintenance dose is one sachet (10 grams) per day. For mild to moderate health challenges, higher doses are recommended. Clinical trials in patients with AIDS, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome have used 30 – 50 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.
RECONSTITUTION: Immunocal is a dehydrated powdered protein isolate. It must be appropriately rehydrated before use. If left standing too long after rehydration, activity of the product may be reduced. Times vary depending on temperature and pH of the liquid used. It is generally recommended to ingest the product within 30 minutes of reconstitution. DO NOT heat or use a hot liquid to rehydrate the product or use a high-speed power blender for reconstitution. These methods will decrease the activity of the product. Special low-speed blenders or mixing cups can be made available through Immunotec Inc. distribution networks.
Method 1) Pour the powder into your Immunocal mixing cup. Add 6-8 oz. of water, milk or juice. Snap lid on tightly and shake for 10-20 seconds. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. Shake again and drink.
Method 2) Pour the powder into your Immunocal blender. Add 6-8 oz. of water, milk or juice. Snap lid on tightly. Mix using short bursts of power until powder dissolved and drink.
Method 3) Pour the powder into a tall glass. Add only one tablespoon of water, milk or juice. Stir with a fork until consistency of a gravy or paste. Add 6-8 oz. more of the liquid and stir. Let stand for 5-10 minutes and drink.
Method 4) Pour the powder over apple sauce, other fruit compote, yogurt or cereal with milk. Stir until dissolved and eat.
Top of Page10 grams of bovine milk protein isolate powder per sachet.
30 sachets per box.
Store in a cool dry environment. Refrigeration is not necessary.
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