Common Questions

Immunocal® provides the building blocks your body needs to produce its master antioxidant inside your cells, where it can be better absorbed and more effective. External antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, have a limited ability to neutralise free radicals.

Immunocal® is thermolabile, meaning that it is heat-sensitive. Immunotec’s proprietary manufacturing process preserves the critical disulfide bonds in the glutathione precursor cysteine. By delivering this delicate protein to the cells, Immunocal® enables the body to produce glutathione and optimise immune-system function.

Other whey proteins are often manufactured using high heat, such as pasteurisation, and harsh mixing methods. These processes may destroy or denature the natural bioactivity of the whey protein, making it ineffective and removing the immune-boosting, antioxidant and detoxification properties found in Immunocal®.

Immunocal® is organic and contains less than 1% fat, lactose and casein. It is therefore suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Immunocal® is supported by extensive research published in peer-reviewed medical journals. It is also listed in the US PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference), the Pharmacy Red Book and the Canadian CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties). There are no clinical studies on other whey proteins demonstrating the same immune-boosting and antioxidant effects observed with Immunocal®.

Yes.

Avoid mixing Immunocal® with warm or hot liquids, or with extremely acidic liquids.

High-powered blenders should generally be avoided. Small, low-speed, handheld plastic blenders are acceptable.

Most people take Immunocal® first thing in the morning or after the body has been fasting for a few hours. This may enhance protein absorption and amino acid utilisation.

When taking multiple pouches per day, they may be consumed at separate times.

The recommended dosage according to body weight is as follows:

• 10 lb / 5 kg: 2.5 g
  
• 15 lb / 7 kg: 3.5 g
  
• 20 lb / 10 kg: 5 g
  
• 25 lb / 12 kg: 6 g
  
• 35 lb / 15 kg: 7.5 g
  
• 40 lb / 17 kg: 8.5 g
  
• 45 lb / 20 kg: 10 g

Immunocal® should be stored in a cool, dry place to maximise its shelf life and preserve its efficacy. We recommend storing it at a temperature of between 70°F and 90°F, or 21°C and 32°C.

As a general guideline, Immunocal® should be consumed shortly after mixing, preferably within 30 minutes. Keep it cool if it is not consumed immediately.

Yes. In fact, the increased GSH levels resulting from the intake of Immunocal® may help improve the activity of health supplements that contain antioxidant vitamins.

Immunocal® increases GSH levels. GSH is an endogenous antioxidant, meaning that it is produced by the body. Higher GSH levels may help improve the activity of exogenous antioxidant vitamins, which are antioxidants that are not produced by the body.

For this reason, megadoses of antioxidant supplements are not required when taking Immunocal®, as higher GSH levels may optimise the functions of other antioxidants.

Low GSH levels have been associated with disease and illness. Immunocal® helps optimise and maintain GSH levels so that the health supplements being taken may work more effectively to support optimal health.

Anyone with a specific allergy to any of the product’s components should not take Immunocal®.

Immunocal® contains less than 1% lactose and can therefore be taken by individuals with lactose intolerance.

Individuals who have undergone an organ transplant should not take the product because their immune systems need to be suppressed to prevent organ rejection.

Please note that implants are not transplants. Individuals with implants may take the product.

Immunocal® is beneficial for maintaining good health. Ageing inevitably affects our energy levels and quality of life.

It has been reported in The Lancet, a renowned British medical journal, that GSH levels decrease significantly as we age. At the same time, free-radical production increases with age. This contributes to the symptoms of ageing and a decline in health.

To maintain good health as we age, it is important to maintain our GSH levels so that the A.I.D.E. functions in our bodies remain optimised.

Immunocal Booster® is an excellent complement to Immunocal®.

Immunocal Booster® is powered by the exclusive Nrf2 Catalyst™, sulforaphane from broccoli-seed extract, selenium, and more than 60 polyphenols and phytonutrients derived from US-certified organic fruits, vegetables, seeds and roots.

The primary difference lies in how the products support the body’s glutathione levels.

Immunocal® is not a direct glutathione supplement. It is an undenatured whey protein isolate that provides cysteine, an important building block that the body uses, together with glutamate and glycine, to produce glutathione within its cells.

Immunocal® is not glutathione and does not contain glutathione.

Most standard over-the-counter glutathione supplements are broken down in the digestive tract. As a result, the oral absorption rate is below 1%.

Mechanism of Action

Immunocal®

Provides cysteine-rich whey proteins that support the body’s natural production of glutathione.

Direct glutathione supplements

Provide glutathione in its preformed state, with the aim of increasing the amount available to the body.

Formulation and Absorption

Immunocal®

Its specialised manufacturing process helps preserve the cysteine-containing proteins naturally present in whey, providing the body with a source of the glutathione precursor cysteine.

Direct glutathione supplements

Absorption varies between products. Conventional, liposomal and other specialised formulations may have different levels of bioavailability, and clinical findings have been mixed.

Immunocal®

Provides cysteine-rich whey proteins that support the body’s natural production of glutathione.

Direct glutathione supplements

Provide glutathione in its preformed state, with the aim of increasing the amount available to the body.

Immunocal®

Its specialised manufacturing process helps preserve the cysteine-containing proteins naturally present in whey, providing the body with a source of the glutathione precursor cysteine.

Direct glutathione supplements

Absorption varies between products. Conventional, liposomal and other specialised formulations may have different levels of bioavailability, and clinical findings have been mixed.

Immunocal® is a bioactive whey protein isolate that shares many of the same immune-promoting and immune-enhancing properties as human milk.

It contains undenatured precursors, or building blocks, that the body uses to produce glutathione. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, immune booster and detoxifier—also referred to as A.I.D.—and is a source of energy found in every tissue and cell in the body.

“Peer-reviewed” means that an article is scrutinised and evaluated for its quality and validity by other doctors and scientists before it is published.

Articles that do not withstand this scrutiny are rejected. Most submissions are initially rejected, helping to screen out misguided or inaccurate statements.

The US PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference) and the Canadian CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties) are published annually and distributed to doctors and pharmacists in their respective countries.

They contain prescribing information for drugs. However, Immunocal® is not a drug. It is one of the few natural substances listed in these publications.

GSH is present in every cell in the body and must be produced within the cells.

Clinical studies have shown that GSH levels are high in young and healthy individuals and low in older individuals and those who are unwell (The Lancet, Vol. 351, Issue 9103, pp. 645–646).

As a result of normal cellular metabolism, damaging by-products known as free radicals are released. The body is equipped with various protective mechanisms to neutralise these harmful substances.

GSH is the body’s master antioxidant. It directly neutralises free radicals and reduces the risk of cellular damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to disease, illness and ageing.

Other antioxidants that are not produced by the body, such as vitamins C and E, depend on GSH to function properly and achieve optimal antioxidant activity. This is why GSH is also known as the centre of cellular antioxidation.

GSH stimulates the immune response by increasing the production of defence cells known as lymphocytes. Low GSH levels are commonly found among older individuals and those who are unwell.

The highest levels of GSH are found in the liver, the body’s primary detoxifying organ. This is important in ensuring that the body can remove toxic waste resulting from exposure to pollutants and radiation.

GSH functions within the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys and skin to remove toxins and eliminate cellular metabolic waste.

GSH was first discovered in 1888. There are now more than 200,000 research papers relating to GSH listed on PubMed and through the US National Library of Medicine.

It was only more recently that medical experts discovered a way to increase intracellular GSH naturally and effectively.

Immunocal® has immune-promoting properties similar to those of human milk. It contains the effective Bonded Cysteine® delivery system, which helps ensure that cellular GSH levels are raised and sustained naturally, safely and effectively.

GSH is produced within the cells, or intracellularly. When consumed orally, it has not been shown to be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it is broken down during digestion and eliminated.

Consuming foods that are rich in GSH also results in limited absorption and has very little effect on raising GSH levels in the body.

The proven, effective and natural approach is to provide the precursors, or building blocks, needed for GSH to be produced inside the cells.

The three bioactive proteins, or Bonded Cysteine®, in Immunocal® form a natural delivery system that effectively transports cystine precursors to the cells. Upon entering the cells, these precursors are quickly converted into cysteine and synthesised into GSH.

The availability of cysteine determines how much GSH can be produced in the cells.

However, cysteine taken as a dietary supplement may promote hypercysteinaemia and can potentially be toxic. It is therefore not recommended.

Bonded Cysteine® is produced using a patented manufacturing process developed by Immunotec that cannot be replicated by others.

Yes. Lactose is removed from Immunocal® during production. Less than 1% lactose remains, and the product can legally be described as “lactose-free”. It is therefore suitable even for individuals with severe lactose intolerance.

It should be noted that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy.

Many people who believe that they have a milk allergy are not allergic to milk proteins but are instead lactose intolerant. These individuals may take Immunocal® because it is considered lactose-free.

Most people who are genuinely allergic to milk proteins are allergic to a protein called casein. Immunocal® does not contain casein.

Individuals with a genuine allergy to milk proteins should avoid Immunocal® if they are unable to tolerate human milk, as the proteins in Immunocal® are similar to those found in human milk.

No. Immunocal® contains proteins similar to those found in human milk. Therefore, taking Immunocal® is considered to be as safe as consuming human milk.

However, individuals who have undergone an organ transplant should not take Immunocal®, as their immune systems need to be suppressed to prevent organ rejection.

Please note that implants are not transplants. Individuals with implants may take Immunocal®.

Immunocal® contains proteins similar to those found in human milk. Therefore, taking Immunocal® is considered to be as safe as consuming human milk.

Unless an individual is allergic to these specific proteins or to human milk—which is very rare—there are no known side effects associated with Immunocal®.

Please note that lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy.

Yes. As the ingredients are similar to those found in human milk, Immunocal® may be taken by people of all ages, from newborns to older adults.

There have been no reported cases of toxicity resulting from an overdose of Immunocal®.

Glutathione is a tightly regulated intracellular substance. Its production is limited through negative-feedback inhibition of its own synthesis by the enzyme gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase. This greatly minimises the possibility of an overdose.

The maximum recommended dosage is four pouches per day.

Immunocal Platinum® is Immunocal® with two additional components: CMP™ and RMF.

CMP™ stands for Cytokine Modulating Proteins. Cytokines are small, biologically active proteins that act as signalling molecules within the immune system and help regulate inflammation in the body.

RMF stands for Redox Modulating Formula.

Developed by Dr Wulf Dröge, RMF contains a proprietary blend of citrate minerals that helps lower acidity levels in the body and restore its natural pH balance.

This supports bone strength as we age and contributes to overall well-being.

RMF also contains a very small amount of creatine, which helps maintain proper muscle function.

Immunocal Platinum® is a natural source of glutathione precursors that helps maintain a strong immune system.

It also helps maintain proper muscle function and bone health by reducing calcium loss.

• Immunocal Platinum® supplies the rare precursors, or building blocks, that cells need to produce glutathione.
• Immunocal Platinum® supplies all the essential amino acids required by the cells and tissues.
• Immunocal Platinum® supplies other peptides, or small proteins, that are critical to many aspects of health.

Immunocal Platinum® is heat-sensitive. Do not mix it with any liquid that is hot, warm or lukewarm.

It may be mixed with liquids that are at room temperature, cool or cold. Immunocal Platinum® may also be mixed with ice cream, yoghurt or cold cereal.

Immunocal Platinum® can be mixed with milk, although the mixture may have a salty or sour taste.

We do not recommend mixing it with milk. However, if you find the taste acceptable, there is no issue with doing so.

Whey is a group of proteins found in milk.

Whey proteins can be produced in different concentrations.

Regular whey protein may contain between 20% and 70% protein. Whey protein concentrates contain between 70% and 90% protein, while a whey protein isolate contains more than 90% pure protein.

Technically, achieving this level of purity without damaging the protein’s structure is difficult and expensive.

The isolation process removes much of the fat, fat-soluble toxins, water, water-soluble toxins, lactose and other contaminants from the protein.

Whey protein isolate is considered the purest form of protein and has a high biological value, or BV.

Not all proteins are the same. The difference lies in the protein’s biological value, or BV.

The BV indicates how efficiently the body can use a particular protein. The higher the BV, the more efficiently the protein can be used by the body.

Immunocal® provides all the essential amino acids required by the body and has the highest known BV, similar to that of human milk.

This makes it exceptionally beneficial for individuals who do not consume enough protein and those experiencing muscle wasting. It also helps increase the body’s most powerful antioxidant, immune-boosting and detoxifying functions.

Egg protein is considered the gold standard, with a BV of 100. Immunocal® has a BV of 159, described as the highest known biological value.

When the research supporting these claims is examined, it often cites studies conducted by Dr Bounous, Dr Kongshavn, Dr Dröge or other prominent scientists on Immunocal®.

This does not mean that the other products work in the same way.

In addition, some of these studies were conducted in laboratories or on laboratory animals rather than in humans.

Immunocal Sport® is certified by Informed Sport as being free from 285 banned substances and is suitable for elite athletes and Olympians.

More than 100 elite athletes take Immunocal Sport® of their own accord.

Immunocal Sport® has received a Class III endorsement from Health Canada, which is extremely difficult to obtain.

Epigenetics represents a new understanding of genetics. “Epi”, meaning “above”, refers to mechanisms that operate “above” our DNA and can modify how genetic information is expressed.

Epigenetic “switches” can turn certain DNA sequences on or off. Some of these epigenetic differences may be inherited along with our DNA.

Immunocal Booster® contains two main components:

• An Nrf2 Catalyst™ that enhances glutathione and antioxidant activity.
• A blend of more than 60 organic “Reds” and “Greens”, which provide phytonutrients, or plant-based nutrients.

The blend includes sulforaphane glucosinolate from broccoli-seed extract, beetroot, organic oat fibre, organic rice-hull concentrate, organic pea fibre, organic wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.), organic blue-agave inulin (Agave tequilana), organic blue-green algae (spirulina), organic stevia-leaf extract, organic barley grass, organic carrot, organic apple, organic kale, organic broccoli, organic spinach (Spinacia oleracea), organic parsley, organic green cabbage, organic blueberry, organic raspberry, organic strawberry, organic tomato, organic plum, organic orange peel, organic apple fibre, organic lemon peel, organic alfalfa grass, organic green-tea leaf, organic chlorella, organic cherry, organic acai, organic pomegranate, organic banana, organic bilberry, organic goji berry, organic blackcurrant, organic elderberry, organic grape, organic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis), organic pineapple, organic papaya, organic peach, organic blackberry, organic lemon, organic pear (Pyrus communis), organic sweet potato, organic cranberry, organic pumpkin, organic adzuki-bean sprout, organic amaranth sprout (Amaranthus retroflexus), organic buckwheat sprout, organic chia sprout, organic flax sprout, organic garbanzo-bean sprout, organic lentil-bean sprout, organic millet sprout, organic pumpkin sprout, organic quinoa sprout (Chenopodium quinoa), organic sesame sprout, organic sunflower sprout, organic collard greens, organic orange and organic dulse.

Nrf2 is a gene that enhances glutathione and antioxidant metabolism.

• The Nrf2 gene needs to be “switched on” to function.
• An Nrf2 activator turns on this switch.

• Sulforaphane is a widely studied and scientifically validated Nrf2 activator.
• The sulforaphane in Immunocal Booster® is derived from broccoli seeds.

In simple terms, Immunocal Booster® enhances the activity of the glutathione produced with the support of Immunocal® and Immunocal Platinum®.

This is not recommended.

Cellular glutathione production still requires the precursors, or building blocks, found in Immunocal® and Immunocal Platinum®. Once glutathione has been produced by the cells, its activity is enhanced by Immunocal Booster®.

Yes. This is highly recommended.

Immunocal Booster® was specifically designed to enhance the effects of Immunocal® and Immunocal Platinum®.

Certainly. Immunocal Booster® also provides its own health benefits.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral. One of its major roles is to act as a component of an important enzyme called glutathione peroxidase.

Glutathione peroxidase is a critical antioxidant enzyme produced by the body.

The terms “Reds” and “Greens” indicate that the nutrients are derived from fruits and vegetables, respectively.

These plant-based ingredients contain a range of nutrients, including polyphenols, antioxidants and many other phytonutrients.

The Reds and Greens blend contains dozens of fruits, vegetables and herbs, each with its own specific benefits.

No. Fresh produce remains the best source of nutrients.

However, many individuals do not meet their recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. In such situations, the Reds and Greens blend may be particularly beneficial.

Phytonutrients are nutrients derived from plants that are believed to be beneficial to human health.

Polyphenols are phytonutrients associated with several potential benefits, including antioxidant activity, the reduction of inflammation and support for bone-mineral density.

Other potential benefits are beyond the scope of this Q&A.

Polyphenols have become increasingly well known and can be found in red wine, dark chocolate and a wide variety of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables.

The Reds and Greens ingredients come from natural sources that contain some insoluble fibre. As a result, a small amount of residue may occasionally remain at the bottom of the cup.

The suggested dosage is one stick pack per day. Taking more than one is not necessary.

No. The sweet flavour comes from the natural fruits used in the formula, as well as stevia.

Stevia has been associated with several potential benefits, including supporting lower blood-sugar levels.

Yes. The Reds and Greens ingredients are certified organic.

Yes. Immunocal Booster® is gluten-free.

Yes. Immunocal Booster® is vegan.