Immunocal Frequently Asked Questions

Immunocal is an all-natural protein derived from Milk. It is a specially-prepared whey protein isolate..

Most people who claim they have a milk 'allergy' are actually not allergic, they are lactose intolerant. If this is the case, they can take Immunocal. If they have a true allergy to milk protein, they should avoid it. However, the majority of milk protein allergies (80%) are to a protein called "caseine". There is very little caseine in Immunocal (generally less than 1.5%)

Whey is a group of proteins found in milk. 

Whey proteins can be produced in different concentrations. "Regular" whey protein can be anywhere from 20% to 70%. Whey protein "concentrates" are between 70% and 90%. A whey protein "isolate" is over 90% pure protein. Technically this is difficult and expensive to achieve without harming the protein's structure. 

Only isolates have thoroughly removed from them the fat, fat-soluable toxins, water, water-soluable toxins, lactose, and other contaminants from the protein. It is the "purest" form of protein

Immunocal is supported with extensive reserach pbulished im medical journals. Immunocal is produced in a special way to preserve the proteins' natural structure so that it retains its profound effect on your cells. Immunocal is clinically proven to work in human beings. Immunocal appears in the American PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) Immunocal appears in the Canadian CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties)

Immunotec's proprietary manufacturing process preserves the critical disulfide bonds in the glutathione precursor cysteine. By delivering this delicate protein to the cell, it enables the body to create glutathione and maximize immune system levels. Other whey proteins are often manufactured using high heat (pasteurization) and harsh methods of mixing, resulting in a denatured and ineffective product

Undenatured means that a protein is not damaged or significantly changed from the way it appears in nature. Immunocal  works by providing important glutathione precursors to the cell. It is critical that these precursors remain intact or undenatured  during the manufacturing and mixing processes in order to enhance the immune system. That is why we recommend that  Immunocal not be heated or subject to harsh mixing in order to preserve it bioactivity. 

As a source of amino acids, whey protein has a superior nutritional advantage over other types of protein. All whey protein  isolates are a good source of protein. However, there are many other variables that need to be considered in a whey’s quality.  Most importantly is the degree in which the protein resembles its original form in nature. This is easily altered in the harvesting,  manufacturing, packaging, storage and shipping, and quality control of the product. Other whey protein isolates have not been thoroughly tested in clinical trials done on human beings, so it’s anybody’s guess as to whether they work or not 

Immunocal is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system 

Immunocal supplies the rare building blocks (precursors) for your cells to make glutathione. Immunocal supplies all the essential amino acids required by your cells and tissues. Immunocal supplies other peptides (small proteins) critical for many aspects of your health. 

It is a substance that is produced by your own cells that is fundamental to life. Glutathione plays many roles, the most important of which are: 

• It is your body's master antioxidant.

• GSH plays a determinant role in the proper functioning of the immune system 

Glutathione is broken down by digestion and very little if any can get from your mouth to your cell where it’s needed. To raise  glutathione effectively, you must give your cells the building blocks (precursors) to make glutathione yourself. 

Immunocal has had research performed starting as far back as the late 1970’s at McGill University (Canada’s foremost Medical School). There continues to be much effort in publishing human clinical trials in respected peer-reviewed medical  journals worldwide. These articles are easily available on-line 

"Peer-reviewed" means that an article is scrutinized and criticized for quality and validity by other doctors and scientists before  it can be published. Articles that don’t stand up to this scrutiny are rejected. Most submissions are initially rejected. This  screens for misguided or inaccurate statements. 

This is a moving target that grows every year. As of summer 2012 there have been over 35 articles published. 

The American PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference) and the Canadian CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties)  are published yearly and distributed to all the doctors and pharmacists in the country. It holds all the prescribing information for  drugs, however, Immunocal is not a drug. It is one of the rare natural substances that hold a position in these publications. 

When this "research" is actually examined, usually you will find: • That they are quoting work done by Dr. Bounous, Kongshavn, Dröge or other prominent scientists done on Immunocal.  This does not mean that their products work as well. • They are experiments done in a laboratory or on laboratory animals, not in human beings. 

Anyone with a specific allergy to the components. This does NOT include lactose. Immunocal contains less than 1% lactose. It is usually tolerated by lactose-intolerant  individuals. Anyone taking immunosuppressant medication to avoid rejection of an organ transplant. Always ask your health professional before taking any supplements. 

No adverse effects have been reported. A health care practitioner should be consulted prior to use if the person is pregnant or  has reason to believe she is, or if she is breastfeeding. 

Yes, glutathione levels drop with age 

Immunocal is a natural source of protein classified as a Natural Health Product. 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. 

There have been no reports of toxicity from overdosing on Immunocal. 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, thus greatly minimizing any possibility of overdo 

 Pediatric Immunocal dose by approximate weight of child 

Weight (lbs)     Weight (kg)    Dose (pouch)   Dose (g)   Dose (ml)    Dose (tbs)   Dose (tsp)

     10                   5                     1/4                 2.5             10                n/a                 2

     15                   7                     n/a                3.5              15                  1                  3

     20                 10                    1/2                   5               20                n/a                 4

     25                 12                     n/a                  6               25                n/a                 5

     35                 15                    3/4                 7.5              30                2                    6

     40                 17                    n/a                 8.5              35               n/a                  7

     45                 20                     1                   10               40               2.5                7.5

Avoid hot liquids and extremely acidic liquids 

Power blenders should generally be avoided. Small, low-speed, hand-held plastic blenders are acceptable 

As a general guideline, consume shortly after mixing, preferably within 30 minutes. It is best kept cool while waiting 

Immunocal can be mixed with milk. Immunocal Platinum can be mixed with milk but may taste salty or sour in milk 

 Most people take Immunocal first thing in the morning or after your body has been fasting for a few hours. This will enhance  protein absorption and amino acid utilization. If you are taking multiple pouches per day, these can be taken at separate times. 

Yes 

The product is additive-free; the sole ingredient is whey protein isolate 

Immunocal is completely of dairy origin and does not contain any other animal derived materials 

Immunocal does not contain antibiotics or pesticide residues. 

No. Because of concerns about Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) the cattle are continuously surveyed for evidence  of the disease. Immunotec herds also fully participate in the Federal Mammalian Protein Feeding Ban. Feeding the cows with  proteins of ruminants is prohibited the United States. Immunocal is certified free of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) 

Immunocal should be stored in a cool dry place to maximize shelf-life and preserve integrity; we suggest temperatures of 70- 90°F (21-32°C).  

We need 300 liters (79.25 US gallons) of fresh, raw milk to produce 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of Immunocal. It is produced using a  gentle process and low temperatures to preserve the biological activity of the proteins. 

Immunocal, as such, is not an antioxidant but provides the building blocks for the synthesis of glutathione, which is the  principal intracellular antioxidant.