Immunocal FAQ

Immunocal is an undenatured whey protein isolate. It is over 90% pure protein and has a biological value higher than any other protein food or supplement available. The term “biological value” (BV) is a ranking of important edible proteins in your body.

Immunocal is highly bio-active and supplies your body with undenatured bonded cysteine that is used by every cell of the body to produce glutathione. Cysteine is one of the three glutathione precursors. And it is the most rare of all to find in foods in its undenatured bonded state because heat, agitation, oxidation and over-processing destroy the cysteine molecule.

This unique undenatured whey protein is made from cow’s milk that is neither heat pasteurized, nor homogenized, and produced without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Herds that supply milk for the manufacturing plant are being raised in one of the most environmentally clean states – Idaho, in the pastures never treated with chemicals. It takes approximately 1 gallon of milk to produce 1 pouch (10 g) of Immunocal.

Immunocal contains specific fragile proteins that supply your body with the building blocks needed for the production of glutathione in your cells. These building blocks are called “precursors” and glutathione precursors are relatively rare in our normal diets. Unfortunately, eating glutathione itself does not effectively raise glutathione in the cells; this is why we need the precursors.

Immunocal contains specific fragile proteins that supply your body with the building blocks needed for the production of glutathione in your cells. These building blocks are called “precursors” and glutathione precursors are relatively rare in our normal diets. Unfortunately, eating glutathione itself does not effectively raise glutathione in the cells; this is why we need the precursors.

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.
• It provides fuel for a properly functioning immune system.
• It is critical for the removal of hundreds of toxins and pollutants.
• It is a source of cellular energy.

Glutathione (GSH) is produced within your cells (intra-cellularly). When it is taken orally, it has not been shown in clinical studies to be absorbed in the blood stream but instead is broken down during digestion and eliminated. Taking glutathione pills or tablets have very little effect in raising GSH level in your body.

The most effective and natural way that has been proven scientifically to raise intra-cellular GSH is by giving our cells precursors (building blocks) to make GSH. The bioactive proteins in Immunocal constitute a natural ‘delivery system’ of GSH precursors for your cells. These precursors are easily transported into your cell whereby they can be quickly synthesised into GSH.

In short, Immunocal is patented to work (i.e. increase your body’s glutathione (GSH) levels). Immunocal is the only one with extensive research published in medical journals. Immunocal is processed in a patented proprietary way to preserve the proteins’ natural structure so that it retains its profound effect on your cells. Immunocal appears in the American PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference). Immunocal appears in the Canadian CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties).

It is extracted exclusively from milk produced without antibiotics or steroids, is casein free and contains less than 1% fat and lactose and hence, is safe even for individuals who are lactose intolerant. There are no scientific studies on other whey proteins to show the same immune stimulating effects that are seen with Immunocal. It is the result of 18 years of rigorous clinical research that has been published in peer reviewed medical journals. These studies, performed in world renowned medical and scientific institutions, confirmed the effectiveness of Immunocal in raising the GSH level in the body that no other whey proteins have ever shown.

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 your body to create glutathione and optimise your immune system levels. Other whey proteins are often manufactured using harsh methods which results 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 its bioactivity.

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. You can find some of them HERE.

When this “research” is actually examined, usually you will find:

• That they are quoting work done by Dr. Bounous, Kongshavn, Droge or other prominent scientists 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.
• They do not appear in peer-reviewed journals

Immunocal, as such, is not an antioxidant but provides the building blocks for the synthesis of glutathione, which is your body’s principal intracellular (master) antioxidant. Glutathione actually recycles other antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, etc.

Besides that, GSH also serves as a detoxifying agent for multiple toxins that you might encounter on a daily basis through your environment and diet. In the case of antioxidants “more” does not mean “better”. Immunocal gives you optimal antioxidant performance because it cannot push glutathione levels higher than what your cell is designed to make under ideal circumstances.

Commercially available colostrum are usually from cow. It is produced during the first 26 hours following birth of cows which are vaccinated with antigen-specific viruses. This means that such colostrum is useful for only those virus inoculated into the cow. However, this postulated mechanism of action of inter-species transfer of immune factors has NOT been clinically proven. Data that are used to show effectiveness in increasing immune function are not statistically significant and usually anecdotal (consisting mostly of personal testimonies rather than clinical studies).

Colostrum has NOT been demonstrated to be superior to Immunocal and does not have any of the credibility Immunocal has under its belt. The proteins in colostrum have no cystine content, which is critically essential to the synthesis of GSH to achieve immuno-enhancing, antioxidation and detoxification properties. On the contrary, the effectiveness of Immunocal has been demonstrated in numerous human clinical trials which found statistically significant increases in GSH and indices of immune function such as the CD4:CD8 ratios. The clinical data is significantly more convincing for Immunocal.

It is important to first of all, understand that it is GSH in our body that helps in so many disease conditions. Free radicals are being implicated in many diseases and illnesses. GSH, being your body’s Master Antioxidant, is the best and most effective antioxidant to take care of the free radicals in your body. Your defence cells, lymphocytes, are dependant on GSH for their proper function and replication. Therefore, in order to optimize your immune system, you must first of all optimise uour GSH. The highest level of GSH is in your liver. It is important to keep your GSH levels high to eliminate toxins, pollutants, drug metabolites, carcinogens and radiation damage.

The AID (Antioxidant, Immune optimiser, Detoxification) functions of GSH are very important to help control diseases and illnesses. GSH has to be produced by your own body cells as the raw form in terms of pills or powder will be totally destroyed during digestion. Immunocal has been proven to provide the effective natural precursors or building blocks for the manufacturing of GSH in your cells. Hence, the importance of Immunocal lies in giving your body sufficient raw materials to make GSH intracellularly, so that your immune system is always optimal to take care of diseases and illnesses.

Immunocal is useful in maintaining good health. Ageing inevitably affects your energy level and quality of life. It has been shown in medical journals, that your GSH level decreases as you age. And making things worse, free radical production increases as you age. This contributes to ageing symptoms and decline in health. If you want to maintain good health as you age, it is important to take Immunocal to maintain your GSH level so that the AID (Antioxidant, Immune optimiser, Detoxification) functions in your body are optimised.

In short it depends on your health condition, those who are old, weak or sick (i.e. have very low levels of GSH) would be able to experience the positive effects almost immediately.

Those who are feeling sick should increase their dosage to 3 pouches and will notice that they recover very quickly, as compared to not taking Immunocal in the past. Those who suffer from chronic illness such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension will achieve better control of their illness when they take Immunocal as an adjunct therapy to their medications. Those undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy will experience lesser side effects and faster recovery due to the effect of GSH resulting from the intake of Immunocal. This has been clinically proven in many trials and published in renowned peer-reviewed medical journals.

Those who are physically very active (athletes, etc) would experience faster recovery and increased muscular performance from taking Immunocal. This is due to the fact that high GSH resulting from the intake of Immunocal are able to take care of the free radical production resulting in oxidative stress in such individuals.

However, the time for normal healthy individuals to experience the benefits of Immunocal varies. We’d encourage you to take note of your energy level prior to taking Immunocal. Increase in stamina and energy levels will usually be experienced in the first week after consuming Immunocal due to the increased in GSH. This is usually the first sign on the efficacy of Immunocal.

Anyone with a specific allergy to the components.This does NOT include lactose. Immunocal is lactose-free.

Anyone taking immunosuppressant medication to avoid rejection of an organ transplant. Always ask your health professional before taking any supplements.

Immunocal 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 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 gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, thus greatly minimizing any possibility of overdose.

For the dosage, it depends on the indication:

Avoid hot liquids, they will inactivate the Immunocal. Avoid extremely acidic liquids.

Power blenders should generally be avoided. Small, low-speed, hand-held plastic blenders are acceptable. If you must use a blender, use it at the lowest speed and the shortest duration possible.

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

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. However, ideally more than two pouches a day should be split up during the day. Many athletic individuals will take one pouch in the morning and another shortly after their workout or game.

No Immunocal does not contain any of the above. Immunocal is formulated such to maximise its efficacy and bioavailabiliy. So that you can get the most benefit out of it. 

One drawback of its purity is that you may find it hard to mix/ dissolve. This is because it is FREE from any emulsifiers which affects the efficacy.

Immunocal does not contain antibiotics or pesticide residues.

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

300 liters (125 gallons) of fresh, raw milk is needed to produce 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of Immunocal. It is produced using a proprietary patented process to preserve the biological activity of the proteins.

Yes, the lactose in Immunocal is removed during its production. Less than 1% lactose remains and legally the product can be called “lactose-free”.

It should be noted that being lactose-intolerant is different than having a milk protein allergy.

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 proteins, they should avoid it. However, the majority of milk protein allergies (80%) are to a protein called “casein”. There is very little casein in Immunocal (generally less than 1.5%).

Yes it is certified to be Halal by The Islamic Food & Nutrition Council of America.