Immunocal
The last few decades have witnessed a major shift from a reliance on drugs to a demand for natural alternatives. What has spurred this change is an increasingly overburdened, expensive and often inaccessible medical system that has been so busy taking care of the sick, that wellness has been left to unconventional medicine. More and more of us are now moving from a reactive to a proactive approach to maintaining health and well-being, and this includes lifestyle changes, exercise, nutrition and natural supplements.
Immunocal is a corner-stone product that fits the proactive lifestyle of those that are concerned with their health. Immunocal is a natural whey protein isolate powder. It is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine. Glutathione or GSH is the body’s super antioxidant and involved in numerous metabolic reactions to help prevent oxidative damage to our body.
Immunocal like the name suggests; boosts, supports, and enhances the immune system.
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Basic Information on Glutathione
and Immunocal
Immunocal is an undenatured whey protein that has the precursor amino acids (cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid) that are highly concentrated, and in proper ratio, for building glutathione (GSH) inside of the cells where it is most useful.
These amino acids especially cysteine, are denatured (changed in their basic structure) and when denatured in the pasteurization process, they are no longer effective for building GSH. A graphic illustration of denaturing is when an egg is put in a frying pan, it is initially clear (undenatured), but the heat quickly turns it white (denatured) which changes the fundamental structure of the bonds of the amino acids. When this occurs, the amino acids perform different functions than in their non-denatured form.
Every cell in the body uses GSH as a primary anti-oxidant. GSH also has the ability to regenerate other fat, or water soluble anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, selenium, etc. When these anti-oxidants have been reduced in the process of absorbing reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH can act as an electron donor, bring them back to function in the continuous war against oxidative stress that goes on inside every cell of the body.
ROS are the natural by-products of energy metabolism, and are also present in pollutants that we encounter in air, water, and food. ROS damage the DNA strands that are the blueprints for renewing cells, and are probably responsible for much of the aging and degenerative processes in the body. The ability to produce GSH to combat the damage of oxidative stress decreases as we get older; and as we are exposed to the stresses of everyday living.
One of the most important functions of GSH is to modulate the immune system, which is to increase its ability to overcome malignant (cancer) cells, bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other toxic invaders. GSH increases the activity of the Natural Killer cells (NK cells), and the T-Lymphocytes, which are the "soldiers" used by the Immune system, to attack and overcome invading "Bad guys". In particular Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF Alpha) the immune
system component that specifically attacks malignant tumours.
GSH also modulates, or turns down the auto-immune inflammatory response which leads to illness such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, etc. and is a component of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and almost all neurological illnesses, as well as Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (Emphysema), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Senile Dementia.
The immune system releases chemical substances called cytokines that cause inflammatory conditions, and amplify pain, and nerve impulses.
When the body is depleted of GSH through stress, overwork/exercise, illness, infection or toxic load, the cytokine switch can stay in the "on" position, and cause these inflammatory and painful conditions to self-perpetuate. The mechanism by which the bird flu causes fatal damage to the lungs is called a "cytokine storm" where massive amounts of inflammatory chemicals are released in response to the virus, and cause severe bleeding of the lungs. GSH is the most powerful natural modulator that we know of outside of massive doses of steroids. Unfortunately steroids have their own associated negative adverse effects.
The way that the 5HN1 viral strain (Bird flu) kills is by this cytokine storm phenomenon. The massive release of inflammatory cytokines cause severe injury to the lungs, with bleeding that can be fatal.
Restoring optimal GSH levels with Immunocal gives the immune system the ability to return to a normal state, and mount a robust offence against cancer and infections, instead of directing its attack against structures and organ systems of the body.
GSH is especially important to people with Diabetes, because they are subject to higher than normal oxidative stress, and a phenomenon called glycation where the high levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood stream cross-link with proteins and cause damage. This damage, along with the oxidative stress, make them more vulnerable to nerve and blood vessel deterioration, which can lead to neuropathy, poor wound healing, and gradual loss of sight due to damage to the small arteries in the eye. Because the liver is involved with glucose metabolism, some folks
with diabetes report lower blood sugar levels after being on Immunocal for several months. Perhaps this is due to increased insulin sensitivity because the insulin resistance is being decreased by GSH in the cell membrane.
Another important function of GSH is in the liver where it is used to help break down toxic chemicals for excretion. When we become depleted of GSH either through stress, overwhelming toxic load, or an infective illness such as hepatitis, the liver is unable to handle these poisons, and they can build up in our bodies causing other problems.
GSH also helps cell permeability in the alveoli of the lungs where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia can usually breathe easier, and increase the amount of oxygen in their blood by restoring GSH levels with Immunocal.
Folks with digestive system issues are usually depleted of glutathione in the epithelial cells of that line the intestines, and report improvements in digestive function when on Immunocal. Pathologies such as Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and chronic diarrhea are often helped by Immunocal.
In addition, glutathione upregulates (makes more sensitive) the receptors in the brain that effect mood and cognitive function. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin that regulate mood and have an anti-depressant/anxiety effect are more effective when the brain has glutathione. People undergoing withdrawal from anti-depressant medication report having a smoother transition when on Immunocal. Increased glutathione in the liver helps to clear the toxic by-products faster, and the upregulation of the neurotransmitter receptors.
Another important function of glutathione is its ability to help the body to maintain an alkaline pH. Many researchers are beginning to believe that most illnesses including cancer thrive when the body's pH shifts to the acidic range. Low pH (acidic) accelerates inflammation, which is now believed to be a major component in degenerative diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, auto-immune illnesses, Diabetes, Emphysema, Multiple Sclerosis,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Senile Dementia.
One suspected component of aging in general is oxidative damage to the telomeres of the DNA. As DNA strands are snipped off by oxidation damage, they encode less faithfully for new daughter cells. It's like copying a copy, and then copying that copy, each time any small error is magnified until eventually it becomes unreadable. Glutathione helps to protect DNA from damage by acting as a powerful intracellular antioxidant. The longer we can keep our DNA intact, theoretically, the slower the aging process will be.
These amino acids especially cysteine, are denatured (changed in their basic structure) and when denatured in the pasteurization process, they are no longer effective for building GSH. A graphic illustration of denaturing is when an egg is put in a frying pan, it is initially clear (undenatured), but the heat quickly turns it white (denatured) which changes the fundamental structure of the bonds of the amino acids. When this occurs, the amino acids perform different functions than in their non-denatured form.
Every cell in the body uses GSH as a primary anti-oxidant. GSH also has the ability to regenerate other fat, or water soluble anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, selenium, etc. When these anti-oxidants have been reduced in the process of absorbing reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH can act as an electron donor, bring them back to function in the continuous war against oxidative stress that goes on inside every cell of the body.
ROS are the natural by-products of energy metabolism, and are also present in pollutants that we encounter in air, water, and food. ROS damage the DNA strands that are the blueprints for renewing cells, and are probably responsible for much of the aging and degenerative processes in the body. The ability to produce GSH to combat the damage of oxidative stress decreases as we get older; and as we are exposed to the stresses of everyday living.
One of the most important functions of GSH is to modulate the immune system, which is to increase its ability to overcome malignant (cancer) cells, bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other toxic invaders. GSH increases the activity of the Natural Killer cells (NK cells), and the T-Lymphocytes, which are the "soldiers" used by the Immune system, to attack and overcome invading "Bad guys". In particular Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF Alpha) the immune
system component that specifically attacks malignant tumours.
GSH also modulates, or turns down the auto-immune inflammatory response which leads to illness such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, etc. and is a component of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and almost all neurological illnesses, as well as Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (Emphysema), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Senile Dementia.
The immune system releases chemical substances called cytokines that cause inflammatory conditions, and amplify pain, and nerve impulses.
When the body is depleted of GSH through stress, overwork/exercise, illness, infection or toxic load, the cytokine switch can stay in the "on" position, and cause these inflammatory and painful conditions to self-perpetuate. The mechanism by which the bird flu causes fatal damage to the lungs is called a "cytokine storm" where massive amounts of inflammatory chemicals are released in response to the virus, and cause severe bleeding of the lungs. GSH is the most powerful natural modulator that we know of outside of massive doses of steroids. Unfortunately steroids have their own associated negative adverse effects.
The way that the 5HN1 viral strain (Bird flu) kills is by this cytokine storm phenomenon. The massive release of inflammatory cytokines cause severe injury to the lungs, with bleeding that can be fatal.
Restoring optimal GSH levels with Immunocal gives the immune system the ability to return to a normal state, and mount a robust offence against cancer and infections, instead of directing its attack against structures and organ systems of the body.
GSH is especially important to people with Diabetes, because they are subject to higher than normal oxidative stress, and a phenomenon called glycation where the high levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood stream cross-link with proteins and cause damage. This damage, along with the oxidative stress, make them more vulnerable to nerve and blood vessel deterioration, which can lead to neuropathy, poor wound healing, and gradual loss of sight due to damage to the small arteries in the eye. Because the liver is involved with glucose metabolism, some folks
with diabetes report lower blood sugar levels after being on Immunocal for several months. Perhaps this is due to increased insulin sensitivity because the insulin resistance is being decreased by GSH in the cell membrane.
Another important function of GSH is in the liver where it is used to help break down toxic chemicals for excretion. When we become depleted of GSH either through stress, overwhelming toxic load, or an infective illness such as hepatitis, the liver is unable to handle these poisons, and they can build up in our bodies causing other problems.
GSH also helps cell permeability in the alveoli of the lungs where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia can usually breathe easier, and increase the amount of oxygen in their blood by restoring GSH levels with Immunocal.
Folks with digestive system issues are usually depleted of glutathione in the epithelial cells of that line the intestines, and report improvements in digestive function when on Immunocal. Pathologies such as Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and chronic diarrhea are often helped by Immunocal.
In addition, glutathione upregulates (makes more sensitive) the receptors in the brain that effect mood and cognitive function. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin that regulate mood and have an anti-depressant/anxiety effect are more effective when the brain has glutathione. People undergoing withdrawal from anti-depressant medication report having a smoother transition when on Immunocal. Increased glutathione in the liver helps to clear the toxic by-products faster, and the upregulation of the neurotransmitter receptors.
Another important function of glutathione is its ability to help the body to maintain an alkaline pH. Many researchers are beginning to believe that most illnesses including cancer thrive when the body's pH shifts to the acidic range. Low pH (acidic) accelerates inflammation, which is now believed to be a major component in degenerative diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, auto-immune illnesses, Diabetes, Emphysema, Multiple Sclerosis,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Senile Dementia.
One suspected component of aging in general is oxidative damage to the telomeres of the DNA. As DNA strands are snipped off by oxidation damage, they encode less faithfully for new daughter cells. It's like copying a copy, and then copying that copy, each time any small error is magnified until eventually it becomes unreadable. Glutathione helps to protect DNA from damage by acting as a powerful intracellular antioxidant. The longer we can keep our DNA intact, theoretically, the slower the aging process will be.
Some Facts About Glutathione
Health Canada Approves Health Claim For
HMS 90 / Immunocal
Immunotec Inc. announces that it has received regulatory approval from Health Canada to market HMS 90 / IMMUNOCAL with the following health claim: “a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system.”
The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) is Health Canada’s division responsible for the evaluation of the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products. It has issued a Natural Product Number (NPN) for HMS 90 / IMMUNOCAL based on the credibility, strength and quality of evidence provided to support the claim.
Immunotec strongly supports the implementation of the Natural Health Products Regulation. President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Northrop notes: “The imposition of high standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of natural products supports Immunotec’s commitment to excellence in product development and manufacturing.
The issuance of this NPN reinforces to consumers and Distributors alike that superb scientific evidence is the foundation for HMS 90/IMMUNOCAL. This fact, along with the important associated health claim could have a significant impact on Immunotec’s business growth.”
Senior Vice-President, Research & Development, Dr. Wulf Dröge, is extremely pleased about this regulatory approval. “What consumers have known for quite some time has now been formally recognized by the NHPD: the health benefits of Immunotec’s lead product HMS 90 / IMMUNOCAL for the immune system are based on solid science.”
Natural Health Products must be manufactured, packaged, and labeled in Health Canada-approved facilities according to current Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure optimal quality of the finished goods. The evaluation of the efficacy of a specific product allows consumers to make an informed choice when including natural health products in their wellness regimes.
Health Canada Drug and Health Products Fact Sheet
The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) is Health Canada’s division responsible for the evaluation of the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products. It has issued a Natural Product Number (NPN) for HMS 90 / IMMUNOCAL based on the credibility, strength and quality of evidence provided to support the claim.
Immunotec strongly supports the implementation of the Natural Health Products Regulation. President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Northrop notes: “The imposition of high standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of natural products supports Immunotec’s commitment to excellence in product development and manufacturing.
The issuance of this NPN reinforces to consumers and Distributors alike that superb scientific evidence is the foundation for HMS 90/IMMUNOCAL. This fact, along with the important associated health claim could have a significant impact on Immunotec’s business growth.”
Senior Vice-President, Research & Development, Dr. Wulf Dröge, is extremely pleased about this regulatory approval. “What consumers have known for quite some time has now been formally recognized by the NHPD: the health benefits of Immunotec’s lead product HMS 90 / IMMUNOCAL for the immune system are based on solid science.”
Natural Health Products must be manufactured, packaged, and labeled in Health Canada-approved facilities according to current Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure optimal quality of the finished goods. The evaluation of the efficacy of a specific product allows consumers to make an informed choice when including natural health products in their wellness regimes.
Health Canada Drug and Health Products Fact Sheet
Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and
Specialties (CPS) listing for Immunocal
The CPS is a manual that all doctors and pharmacists have. It lists how a drug or nutritional supplement works, as well as any contraindications or potential adverse reactions. The listing for Immunocal (former known as HMS 90) is included for you to read.
Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, online version (e-CPS). © Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2008. All rights reserved.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system. It is fat-free and contains less than 1% lactose and has a high protein biological value (>110 BV) providing all essential amino acids.
The systemic availability of oral glutathione is negligible; the vast majority of it must be manufactured intracellularly from precursors. Glutathione is a tripeptide made intracellularly from its constituent amino acids L-glutamate, L-cysteine and glycine. The sulfhydryl (thiol) group (SH) of cysteine serves as a proton donor and is responsible for
the biological activity of glutathione. Provision of this amino acid is the rate-limiting factor in glutathione synthesis by the cells since bioavailable cysteine is relatively rare in foodstuffs. Furthermore, cysteine if ingested as the free amino acid L-cysteine, has toxic potential and is spontaneously catabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma. Toxicity is avoided when cysteine is integrated into larger proteins such as serum albumin, alpha lactalbumin and lactoferrin.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a bovine whey protein isolate specially prepared to provide a rich source of bioavailable cysteine. Following digestion, the cysteine remains as the stable form cysteine (2 molecules of cysteine linked by a disulfide bond) and glutamylcystine. After absorption, these dipeptides travel safely in the blood stream and readily enter the cells to release free cysteine for intracellular glutathione synthesis. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a cysteine delivery system.
The disulphide bond in cystine is pepsin and trypsin resistant but may be split by heat, low pH or mechanical stress, releasing free cysteine. When subject to heat or shearing forces (inherent in most extraction processes), the fragile disulfide bonds within the peptides are broken and the bioavailability of cysteine is greatly diminished.
Glutathione augmentation is a strategy developed to address states of glutathione deficiency, high oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and xenobiotic overload in which glutathione plays a part in the detoxification of the xenobiotic in question. Many clinical pathologies are associated with glutathione deficiency and oxidative stress and are elaborated upon in numerous medical references. Low glutathione is also strongly implicated in wasting and negative nitrogen balance seen in muscle wasting.
In individuals who develop or have known hypersensitivity to specific milk proteins (this does not include lactose intolerance).
Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health care practitioner.
Heating or adding IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 to a hot liquid or use of a high-speed blender to reconstitute it will significantly decrease the effectiveness of the product.
Each pouch of IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 provides 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/HMS 90 is well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is contraindicated in individuals who develop or have known hypersensitivity to specific milk proteins (this does not include lactose intolerance).
No adverse effects have been reported. A health care practitioner should be consulted if the patient is pregnant or has reason to believe she is.
No adverse effects have been reported. A health care practitioner should be consulted if the patient breast feeds.
Glutathione levels drop with age. Dosage recommendations may rise with increasing age.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a natural source of protein classified as a Natural Health Product and has not been statistically assessed for adverse effects. Gastrointestinal bloating and cramps are possible if the product is not sufficiently rehydrated. Transient urticarial-like skin rash has been reported in rare individuals undergoing severe
detoxification reaction. Skin rash abates when the intake is stopped or reduced.
For management of a suspected drug overdose, CPhA recommends that you contact your regional Poison Control Centre. See the CPS Directory section for a list of Poison Control Centres.
There have been no reports of toxicity from overdosing on IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90. Glutathione is a tightly regulated intracellular constituent and is limited in its production by negative feedback inhibition of its own synthesis through the enzyme gammaglutamylcysteine synthetase.
As a natural source of the glutathione cysteine precursor for the maintenance of the good health, 10 g per day (one pouch) is recommended. As a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system, 20 g per day is recommended. 30-40 g per day have been used in clinical trials without ill
effects.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is best administered on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Concomitant intake of another high protein load may adversely affect absorption.
Each individually-sealed foil pouch contains: 10 g of powder, 9 g of which is protein. The other is represented by naturally occurring ingredients including ash, trace minerals and trace amounts of vitamins. Boxes of 30 pouches. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a dehydrated powdered protein isolate. It must be appropriately rehydrated before use. Remains bioactive up to 12 hours after mixing. Do not heat or use a hot liquid to rehydrate the product or use a high-speed blender for reconstitution. These methods will decrease the effect of the product. Proper mixing is imperative. Consult instructions included in packaging. Store in a cool dry environment. Avoid excessive heat. Refrigeration is not necessary.
General overview of Immunocal
General overview of Immunocal Platinum
Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, online version (e-CPS). © Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2008. All rights reserved.
Pharmacology
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system. It is fat-free and contains less than 1% lactose and has a high protein biological value (>110 BV) providing all essential amino acids.
The systemic availability of oral glutathione is negligible; the vast majority of it must be manufactured intracellularly from precursors. Glutathione is a tripeptide made intracellularly from its constituent amino acids L-glutamate, L-cysteine and glycine. The sulfhydryl (thiol) group (SH) of cysteine serves as a proton donor and is responsible for
the biological activity of glutathione. Provision of this amino acid is the rate-limiting factor in glutathione synthesis by the cells since bioavailable cysteine is relatively rare in foodstuffs. Furthermore, cysteine if ingested as the free amino acid L-cysteine, has toxic potential and is spontaneously catabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma. Toxicity is avoided when cysteine is integrated into larger proteins such as serum albumin, alpha lactalbumin and lactoferrin.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a bovine whey protein isolate specially prepared to provide a rich source of bioavailable cysteine. Following digestion, the cysteine remains as the stable form cysteine (2 molecules of cysteine linked by a disulfide bond) and glutamylcystine. After absorption, these dipeptides travel safely in the blood stream and readily enter the cells to release free cysteine for intracellular glutathione synthesis. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a cysteine delivery system.
The disulphide bond in cystine is pepsin and trypsin resistant but may be split by heat, low pH or mechanical stress, releasing free cysteine. When subject to heat or shearing forces (inherent in most extraction processes), the fragile disulfide bonds within the peptides are broken and the bioavailability of cysteine is greatly diminished.
Glutathione has multiple functions:
- It is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cells, participating directly in the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds, as well as the maintenance of exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms.
- Through direct conjugation, it detoxifies many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) and carcinogens, both organic and inorganic such as heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, benzopyrenes and others including pharmacological agents such as acetaminophen.
- It is essential for the immune system to exert its full potential, e.g. (1) modulating antigen presentation to lymphocytes, thereby influencing cytokine production and the type of response (cellular or humoral) that develops, (2) enhancing proliferation of lymphocytes thereby increasing magnitude of response, (3) enhancing killing activity of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, and (4) regulating apoptosis, thereby maintaining control of the immune response.
- It plays a fundamental role in numerous metabolic and biochemical reactions such as DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis, prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport and enzyme activation. Many systems in the body are adversely affected by low glutathione levels, including the immune system, the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the cardiovascular-pulmonary system.
Indications
Glutathione augmentation is a strategy developed to address states of glutathione deficiency, high oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and xenobiotic overload in which glutathione plays a part in the detoxification of the xenobiotic in question. Many clinical pathologies are associated with glutathione deficiency and oxidative stress and are elaborated upon in numerous medical references. Low glutathione is also strongly implicated in wasting and negative nitrogen balance seen in muscle wasting.
Contraindications
In individuals who develop or have known hypersensitivity to specific milk proteins (this does not include lactose intolerance).
Warnings
Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health care practitioner.
Heating or adding IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 to a hot liquid or use of a high-speed blender to reconstitute it will significantly decrease the effectiveness of the product.
Precautions
Each pouch of IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 provides 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/HMS 90 is well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is contraindicated in individuals who develop or have known hypersensitivity to specific milk proteins (this does not include lactose intolerance).
Pregnancy
No adverse effects have been reported. A health care practitioner should be consulted if the patient is pregnant or has reason to believe she is.
Lactation
No adverse effects have been reported. A health care practitioner should be consulted if the patient breast feeds.
Geriatrics
Glutathione levels drop with age. Dosage recommendations may rise with increasing age.
Adverse Effects
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a natural source of protein classified as a Natural Health Product and has not been statistically assessed for adverse effects. Gastrointestinal bloating and cramps are possible if the product is not sufficiently rehydrated. Transient urticarial-like skin rash has been reported in rare individuals undergoing severe
detoxification reaction. Skin rash abates when the intake is stopped or reduced.
Overdose
For management of a suspected drug overdose, CPhA recommends that you contact your regional Poison Control Centre. See the CPS Directory section for a list of Poison Control Centres.
Symptoms and Treatment
There have been no reports of toxicity from overdosing on IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90. Glutathione is a tightly regulated intracellular constituent and is limited in its production by negative feedback inhibition of its own synthesis through the enzyme gammaglutamylcysteine synthetase.
Dosage
As a natural source of the glutathione cysteine precursor for the maintenance of the good health, 10 g per day (one pouch) is recommended. As a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system, 20 g per day is recommended. 30-40 g per day have been used in clinical trials without ill
effects.
IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is best administered on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Concomitant intake of another high protein load may adversely affect absorption.
Supplied
Each individually-sealed foil pouch contains: 10 g of powder, 9 g of which is protein. The other is represented by naturally occurring ingredients including ash, trace minerals and trace amounts of vitamins. Boxes of 30 pouches. IMMUNOCAL/HMS 90 is a dehydrated powdered protein isolate. It must be appropriately rehydrated before use. Remains bioactive up to 12 hours after mixing. Do not heat or use a hot liquid to rehydrate the product or use a high-speed blender for reconstitution. These methods will decrease the effect of the product. Proper mixing is imperative. Consult instructions included in packaging. Store in a cool dry environment. Avoid excessive heat. Refrigeration is not necessary.
General overview of Immunocal
General overview of Immunocal Platinum


