Five Ingredients for Immune System Support

Most of us don’t give our immune system a second thought until we’re not feeling our best. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, daily immune support is vital to keep your immune system running at its peak.

The immune system is complex and needs daily nutrition to work efficiently. While a healthy immune system works to defend the body against foreign invaders, a compromised immune system can cause the body to struggle in accomplishing normal tasks to stay healthy. The following ingredients provide targeted support to your immune system every day of the year.

1. Beta glucans are naturally occurring molecules in the cell walls of bacteria, cereal grains, and fungi. Beta glucans trigger activity that primes and strengthens key immune cells. Once primed, the immune cells can move more quickly through the body. Scientific evidence shows that daily intake of beta glucans promotes immune health in adults, youth, athletes, and stressed individuals, among others (1-3). ?

2. Reishi, poria, and maitake mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. They are potent immunomodulators that alter the activity of immune cells through the dynamic regulation of cytokines. Many studies show these mushrooms support the function of the immune system and benefit overall health (4,5).?

3. Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a role in promoting the function and development of immune cells. A deficiency in zinc can lead to disturbances in the number and activities of immune cells. Supplementing with zinc can help maintain healthy cell development and function (6-8).?

4. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that, because it is not synthesized by the human body, must be ingested either in the form of food or dietary supplements. Vitamin C plays an important role in the immune system and keeping us healthy, by modulating cytokines and exerting powerful antioxidant benefits that support overall immune health.? Vitamin C deficiency is the fourth leading nutrient deficiency in the United States, with severe cases leading to the progression of scurvy (9). Poor dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and economic reasons are among the top factors that affect Vitamin C intake in developed countries (8,9).

5. Bovine colostrum is the first form of milk produced by cows after giving birth that immediately provides the calves with a myriad of immune-protecting substances. Bovine colostrum is unique to other immune ingredients in that it contains components such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and lactoperoxidase. Research shows that, as it does with calves, colostrum supplementation can support the immune system in humans (10-13).?

Isagenix offers these ingredients in several immune-supporting products. Immune Shake Booster, Isamune? With Zinc, and C-Lyte? all offer different immune-strengthening properties that can be used together to support immune health.? When added to a daily routine that includes proper nutrition, seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and regular physical activity, these targeted solutions can help your immune system continue working at its peak.?

?This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. McFarlin BK, Venable AS, Carpenter KC, et al. Oral supplementation with baker’s yeast beta glucan is associated with altered monocytes, T cells and cytokines following a bout of strenuous exercise. Front Physiol. 2017 Oct; 8:786.
2. Carpenter KC, Breslin WL, Davidson T, et al. Baker’s yeast β-glucan supplementation increases -monocytes and cytokines post-exercise: implications for infection risk? Br J Nutr. 2013 Feb; 109(3):478-486.
3. Talbott S and Talbott J. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan decreases upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and improves psychological well-being in moderate to highly-stressed subjects. AgroFood Industry Hi-Tech. 2010 Jan/Feb; 21(1):21-24.
4. Rios JL. Chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Poria cocos. Planta Medica. 2011 May; 77(7): 681-691.
5. Wasser SP. Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2002 Nov; 60(3): 258-274.
6. Gammoh NZ and Rink L. Zinc in infection and inflammation. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 17; 9(6): 624.
7. Wessels I, Maywald M, and Rink L. Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 25; 9(12): 1286.
8. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, and Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zonc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006; 50: 85-94.
9. Carr AC and Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3; 9(11): 1211.
10. Bagwe S, Tharappel LJP, Kaur G, and Buttar HS. Bovine colostrum: an emerging nutraceutical. J Complement Integr Med. 2015 Mar 12; 12(3).
11. van Hooijdonk ACM, Kussendrager KD, and Steijns JM. In vivo antimicrobial and antiviral activity of components in bovine milk and colostrum involved in non-specific defence. Br J Nutr. 2000 Nov; 84 Suppl 1: S127-S134.
12. Hurley WL and Theil PK. Perspectives on immunoglobulins in colostrum and milk. Nutrients. 2011 Apr; 3(4): 442-474.
13. Jones AW, March DS, Curtis F, and Bridle C. Bovine colostrum supplementation and upper respiratory symptoms during exercise training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehab. 2016; 8: 21.