Executive Summary

Immunocal is a natural health product that appears in the PDR and CPS as a non-prescription OTC agent. It has been tested thoroughly for toxicity and has multiple published clinical trials. Immunocal is a protein supplement that contains unusually high amounts of Glutathione (GSH) precursors. Both laboratory and clinical trials have documented the crucial role of this protein isolate in promoting high cellular glutathione levels allowing for support of an efficient immune response.

Crucial Role of Cellular Glutathione

Most physicians are familiar with GSH in regards to its role in hepatic function, as a detoxifying substrate for acetaminophen overdoses, and more recently its importance in the maintenance of T-cell competence in HIV. However the clinical application of GSH enhancement is just beginning to be elaborated and will have far-reaching effects.

Antioxidation: Glutathione is the major naturally-occurring antioxidant present in our cells. Other antioxidants introduced though our diet such as vitamins C and E depend on GSH for their function and recycling within the cell. The field of free-radical biology is burgeoning and the list of disease states linked to oxidative stress is growing rapidly.

Toxicology: Glutathione is a key substrate for hepatic phase II metabolic pathways, which are taxed daily not only by a variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs, but also by a host of environmental toxins including heavy metals and many byproducts of cigarette smoke and fuel exhaust.

Immune Modulation: Lymphocytes, in particular T-cell subsets have a high demand for adequate GSH for their function and replication. GSH depletion in face of an acute or chronic inflammatory process, aging or infection, will lead to a blunted immune response.

Pharmacology

Glutathione is a tripeptide that must be manufactured within the cell. Oral glutathione ingestion is ineffective. The limiting substrate for GSH synthesis is the amino acid cysteine. Oral cysteine is rapidly catabolized in the GI-tract, carries a toxic potential, and is not recommended. GSH-promoting drugs have been used effectively for specific indications such as acetaminophen toxicity and cystic fibrosis. These `pro-drugs` such as NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) have the disadvantage of having side effects and a short half-life. Immunocal is a natural product that has few adverse effects (see PDR or CPS) but should be avoided by patients with milk-protein allergies. It provides high amounts of cystine, cysteine, and glutamyl‑cystine bound to larger molecules which serve as a `cysteine delivery system` with high bioavailability.

Immunocal®, Immunocal® Platinum, Immunotec Inc., and the Immunotec logo are registered trademarks of Immunotec Inc.