About Immunocal

Immunocal is a natural bovine whey protein isolate that can increase the amount of glutathione in the body. It provides the body with the precursors (particularly cysteine) to produce glutathione, an important molecule in cell health. Glutathione can help boost the immune system, prevent cell damage and improve metabolic health.

Benefits

• Immunocal helps the body produce glutathione, an important antioxidant that can aid in the fight against diseases. It achieves this by supplying the body with the precursors necessary for glutathione production. Glutathione deficiencies have been found in patients with various diseases, like AIDS and cancer to name a few, so using Immunocal can be beneficial in boosting their levels of glutathione.

Glutathione

• L-glutamate, glycine and L-cysteine are amino acids that make up the tripeptide glutathione. Glutathione is found in every cell in the body. On a cellular level glutathione removes foreign elements and carcinogens. It is very necessary for immune system health. Glutathione is also involved in biochemical reactions that synthesize and transport the compounds the body needs. When taken orally, glutathione is not easily absorbed by the body so providing the building blocks of the polypeptide in a product like Immunocal is more useful than ingesting glutathione.

Side Effects

• Without sufficient hydration, stomach bloating and cramps may occur. Drinking more fluids will alleviate this problem. In rare cases a rash may occur. Discontinuing or lessening use of the product will end occurrence of the rash.

RISKS

• People with milk protein allergies should be concerned about adverse reactions from Immunocal. Individuals that need a low protein diet should take into account the protein in Immunocal since dosages contain significant amounts of protein. Also, Emory's Dean Jones suggests "...the supplements, just like they promote health in normal tissues, might promote health in the precancerous tissue," though this has not been proved or disproved.

Preparation/Administration

• Immunocal is sold by Immunotec as a dehydrated powder in 10-gram pouches. Twenty grams a day are recommended for minor health issues while dosages of up to 40 grams a day can be taken without adverse effects. Immunocal should be taken with a light low protein meal or no meal. The powder must be hydrated without heat or high-speed mixing before being ingested.

Warning

• Not everyone believes in the benefits of boosting glutathione levels in the body through artificial methods. Immunocal is considered a food supplement and has not been tested by the Food and Drug Administration.