Marian Zboraj04.01.06
Americans suffer one billion colds over the course of a year, while an estimated 10-20% come down with the flu each flu season, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD. These common viruses, accompanied by more serious diseases like AIDS and cancer, along with new conditions like the H5N1 bird flu, pose myriad threats to the immune system. This has prompted many consumers to search for ways to boost their immune systems against these sometimes life-threatening health issues.
"Every day our bodies are under attack from millions of microorganisms that pose a variety of threats to our immune system," said Jamie McManus, MD, FAACP, chairman, Medical Affairs, Health & Education at Shaklee Corp., Pleasanton, CA. "An important message for Americans is not to take their im-mune systems for granted and to learn how they can keep their immune systems healthy and strong." To further underline this message, Shaklee Corp. recently formed the Center for Immune Research (www.immunityfacts.com).
The Opinion Research Corp., Princeton, NJ, conducted a national poll for the Center for Immune Research, which found that 35% of adults-or 73 million Americans-admit to being more concerned about possible attacks on their immune systems than in previous years. Reinforcing this heightened concern, the poll also revealed a significant know-ledge gap among the public about many factors that weaken the body's immune system, some of which include psychological stress, lack of sleep and exercise, aging and poor diet.
According to the Center for Immune Research, the immune system functions as the human body's defense against "foreign invaders." It operates a silent army that wards off infection and keeps the body healthy. Consisting of a complex network of cells, tissues and organs, the immune system involves a sensitive process of checks and balances within the body that produce an effective im-mune response. The elaborate regulatory communications network includes lymphocytes-the white cells in the blood that are the key operatives of the immune system. Cells develop into two major types of lymphocytes called B cells and T cells. Macrophages represent another type of white blood cell that reinforces the work of the lymphocytes by engulfing and digesting microorganisms and antigens.
Cytokines are the chemicals produced by immune cells in order to communicate and orchestrate the attack. Cy-tokines also encourage cell growth, promote cell activation, direct cellular traffic and destroy target cells.
Long-term or "specific" immunity involves the recruitment of the B cells and T cells called "memory" cells; only these cells remember how to conquer past invaders and therefore form the basis of the body's vaccines.
According to S.L. Wright, IV, CEO and
president, The Wright Group, Crowley, LA, the market is being driven today by two major factors: the aging of the population and the emergence of new infectious diseases like SARS, West Nile virus and H5N1 bird flu.
A "baby boomer" turns 60 every six seconds and Mr. Wright said it's in their mindset to want to live a healthy life. "The 'boomers' have always had a tendency to search out dietary solutions to health problems where possible and this won't change just because they are over 60 or 70," he said. "There is also the issue of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The news is full of these stories and they have had an enormous effect on consumers wanting to strengthen their immune systems."
The immune support market is alive and well. SPINS Inc., San Francisco, CA, says consumers currently spend over $10 million on products marketed specifically toward supporting the immune system, a 15% increase from last year. For the common cold specifically, SPINS claims consumers are spending over $350 million, an increase of nearly 9% over the last year.
The immunity market consists mainly of cold/flu products. This is probably be-cause the common cold is one of the most widespread diseases in western countries, resulting in direct medical costs of more than $16 billion annually, according to a meta-analysis examining exper-imental rhinovirus infection studies.
The public is starting to differentiate between products for cold/flu versus others intended to modulate immune function. However at this point, according to Eric Weaver, PhD, CSO, Proliant Health and Biologicals, Ankeny, IA, consumers don't fully understand the value of controlling immune function as an important aspect of immunity. "Modulating or controlling immune function has potential as more is learned about chronic disease and disease processes," he said. "The immune support marketcertainly holds greater possibilities beyond cold/flu products."
"Sometimes the success of immune support products has to do with the way ingredients are delivered," said Randy Kjelden, CEO, Sterling Technology, Inc., Brookings, SD. Recent market successes in this vein include Emergen-C from Alacer Corp., Foothill Ranch, CA, and Airborne from Airborne, Inc., Carmel, CA.
Consumers still seem to prefer im-munity support in the form of supplements. rather than foods and beverages. According to Eileen Sheets, managing director, Bioforce, Ghent, NY, this might be due to lack of real clinical evidence for foods and beverages.
"Overall the supplement industry is in an excellent position to make a positive impact on the immune status of people who are stressed by pollution, hectic lifestyles, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and a growing list of super-bugs," said Mr. Kjelden.
(The following information was com-
piled from Alternative Medicine Review, PDRhealth.com, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Proliant Human Ingredients and the Center for Immune Research.)
Although the market is not experiencing an influx of new immune enhancing ingredients, it does have its fair share of solutions. "Some of the more interesting ones in recent months are various strains of probiotics, especially Lactobacillus GG (LGG) and the yeast s.boulardii, the prebiotics inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), whey protein isolates, which help form glutathione in the body, and a variety of high beta-glucan derivatives from shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms," said The Wright Group's Mr. Wright. "Two other relatively new entrants into the category are arabinogalactan from the larch tree and various immunoglobulin compounds derived from milk."
Probiotics: LGG is a well-documented bacteria strain that tolerates the acid conditions in the stomach and the bile acids in the small intestine. Unlike most other probiotics, LGG is able to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GI) to effectively colonize the digestive tract and balance intestinal microflora.
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii), a non-pathogenic yeast, can be useful in protecting against antibiotic-induced colitis. It has been shown in experimental models to stimulate sIgA production and enhance phagocytosis. These and similar findings suggest saccharomyces probiotic supplementation may modulate host immune responses and therefore have indirect antiviral benefits.
Prebiotics: Inulin represents a group of naturally occurring oligosaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants. Inulin is an effective prebiotic because it promotes the growth of healthy microflora and immune function in the colon. Inulin may have anti-tumor, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic act-ions. It may also help to improve mineral absorption and balance.
FOS, also sometimes called "oligofructose," has been popular in dietary supplements in Japan for many years and is now becoming increasingly popular in Western cultures for its prebiotic effects. FOS appears to be of benefit in modulating the microbial ecology of the gut, boosting gastrointestinal immunity. FOS may also protect against colon cancer, and may have favorable lipid effects in some.
Larch arabinogalactan is a novel polysaccharide derived from wood of the Western larch or Larix occidentali. Larch arabinogalactan is not one substance but a mixture of several different arabinogal-actans. Larch arabinogalactan has shown some immune-enhancing activity in the laboratory, particularly with regard to the stimulation of human natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Larch arabinogalactan is considered a non-digestible soluble dietary fiber. It is also thought to stimulate the colonic growth of such healthy bacteria as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Protein: Whey Protein features prebiotic effects, promotion of tissue repair, destruction of pathogens and elimination of toxins. An inadequate protein intake impairs the impact on the T-cell system. Whey protein modulates immune function by boosting GSH production, which protects cells against oxidative stress caused by pollution, toxins, exercise and UV exposure. It is synthesized within the cells using three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Whey proteins are a rich source of cysteine.
Immunoglobulin is a specialized protein produced by the body in response to a challenge by a foreign molecule. Supplemental immunoglobulins first act in the intestinal tract to eliminate or inhibit the proliferation of disease-causing organisms and toxins. It is this action against invading antigens in the bowel that creates the link between the gut and the rest of the body. The inhibition of the growth of opportunistic organisms or the absorption of toxins by the bowel reduces the stimulation of the immune system. Thus, the body's resources, particularly amino acids, which would normally be directed towards those challenges, can be redirected to other "battles" in other parts of the body.
Interferon is a natural protein that triggers the body's immune system to attack invading microbes and boosts the im-mune system's ability to mount an im-mune response. In humans, there are three major classes of interferon: alpha, beta and gamma. Because interferon is considered an effective anti-viral agent, it is important both for orchestrating and stimulating immune system response. NutriFeron is the only dietary supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon, which naturally increases the production of this critical component of the immune system. Marketed by Shaklee, NutriFeron was developed by Japanese scientist Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, director of research at Interferon Herb Laboratories. Dr. Kojima successfully isolated four botanicals that, in a proprietary combination, naturally increase the body's production of its own interferon. Since NutriFeron was developed, four human clinical studies have documented the supplement's actions.
Mushrooms: The Japanese diet has consisted of various kinds of mushrooms for many years. One mushroom that has had great success in Japan-the Brazilian mushroom Agaricus blazei-is now finding a market in North America thanks to Atlas World USA Inc., Torrance, CA. Agaricus blazei is usually supplied in dried mushroom form or as a liquid.
"Organic Agaricus blazei mushrooms, certified by both USDA organic agency and JAS (Japan Agricultural Standard), is a very powerful immune modulator," said Yori Takeda, COO, Atlas World "In Japan, it has been used in many immune challenge conditions, the more serious including cancer and diabetes."
Studies with Agaricus blazei have shown an increase in the number of white blood cells, a rise in the activity of natural killer cells, and an increase in production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. High levels of effective elements such as polysaccharides, both Beta(1,3)D-glucan & Beta(1,6)D-glucan protein compounds and ribonucleic acid protein compounds may account for enhancing the activity of macrophages, which destroy or delay the proliferation of damaged cells, according to Mr. Takeda.
Another study recently demonstrated that Agaricus blazei possesses a potent anti-angiogenic phytochemical, sodium pyroglutamate, which was determined to exert a triple play of actions-immune-modulatory, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic-in tumor-bearing mice.
Colostrum, an immune modulator, provides a combination of immune and growth factors, including immunoglobulins, cytokines, lactoferrin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), amino acids and other important nutrients. According to Sterling Technology, Inc., medical studies on anti-aging and healing have shown the vital growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2 and transforming growth factors (TGF-A and TGF-B), nucleotides from bovine colostrums, to be identical to humans in composition. It has also been shown to help stimulate normal growth, regeneration and accelerated repair of aged or injured muscle, skin collagen, bone, cartilage and nerve tissues. Sterling is developing a new product from colos-trum that shows impressive results in animals that are naturally exposed to several disease conditions, reducing prolonged inflammation.
Selenium deficiency appears to de-press the effectiveness of various components of the immune system. Selenium supplementation in humans has resulted in increased natural killer (NK) cell activity. It is suggested that selenium's effect on boosting cellular immunity may be due to "up regulation" of the expression of the T-cell high-affinity interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, providing a vehicle for enhanced
T-cell responses, as well as prevention of oxidative stress-induced damage to immune cells. Enhanced cellular im-munity may explain the possible stimulatory effects of selenium on anti-body production.
When thinking along the lines of im-munity support, most consumers don't consider the concept of our "antioxidant defense system," according Eric Anderson of P.L. Thomas Co., Morristown, NJ. This line of defense is the cellular antioxidant system, which is made up of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)-all of which are vitally important to supporting immune function by supporting cellular health.
"SOD, catalase and Gpx are three antioxidants that are critical during the most stressful periods of life, as certainly immune challenges are, and that must be supported in order for the body to adequately defend itself," said Mr. Anderson. "Significant oxidative stress that is the result of the natural processes of aging, emotional stress and environmental exposure can diminish our antioxidant defense system."
Another immune-boosting ingredient is zinc. Zinc deficiency is known to impair the immune system and decrease disease resistance. Zinc potentiates antioxidant functions, stabilizes membrane structure and function, and attenuates cell-mediated immunity. It is an essential part of SOD and protects vital biomolecules called sulfhydryl compounds from oxidizing and turning into free radicals. InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Inc., Benicia, CA, produces L-OptiZinc, a patented form of biologically active methionine-bound zinc that is used as a dietary supplement to promote immune function and fight free radicals.
For another perspective on immunity ingredients, Synergy Production Laboratories' (Moab, UT) Mitchell May, PhD, CEO and founder, turns to the abundant and colorful pigments found in fruits and plants, as these are the plant kingdom's extensively researched and powerful immune system. "Plants don't have white blood cells like humans do," said Dr. May. "What they have developed over tens of thousands of years of evolution are phytonutrients and phytochemicals that help protect them." Just like these compounds defend plants, they also provide both a protective function and a resiliency to assist humans in dealing with the bacteria, viruses, ultraviolet radiation, oxidation, pollution, toxins and potential mutagens that they are exposed to on a daily basis. Dr. May ad-vises taking concentrated supplements that come from whole foods and are pesticide-free, organic and naturally de-rived-these have the most protective mechanisms for immunity and long-term well-being.
"Instead of looking for a silver bullet via isolated compounds, which is what the pharmaceutical industry does well, our industry should be focusing on what the supplement can give the body nutritionally-on a daily basis-to allow it to function at its best." Dr. May said consumers need to build their overall wellness so that all functions in the body are optimum. "If you are only looking at what the white cells are doing in isolation, that's not immunity at all," he said. "Immunity can only be achieved when the body is fed properly and all of our cellular needs are being met. If this is the case, we can flow through all kinds of situations undaunted by certain toxins, oxidative stress, exposure to bacteria and viruses, or the many external challenges we face today."
The term "synbiotic," still in its infancy, continues to gain recognition in the nutraceuticals industry. A synbiotic combination reflects one which combines probiotics and prebiotics. To test the potential of both prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics), Orafti Active Food Ingredients, Malvern, PA, has launched The Syncan Program, a project featuring a set of trials to study the effects of synbiotics on cancer. One study consisted of 80 volunteers who were divided into two groups-those suffering from pre-cancerous lesions and those previously treated for colon cancer. Half of each group was given a placebo and the other half a synbiotic every day for 12 weeks. The synbiotic ingredients included a prebiotic, Orafti's Beneo Synergy 1, together with two probiotics, Lactobacillus LGG and Bifidobacterium BB12.
In people with a high risk of colon cancer, the results showed that the group receiving the synbiotic treatment had significantly decreased damage to their cells' DNA, compared with those who consumed the placebo. In addition, the people with colon cancer had an en-hanced immune response, producing more interferon gamma, which has antiviral activity and helps to avoid proliferation of potentially damaging cells.
Even though it isn't a new immune support solution, Bioforce USA, Ghent, NY, is concentrating its research on echinacea because of its efficacy track record. "Bioforce is continuing to invest heavily in clinical research on echinacea because there is still a lot to learn. We will continue to build on the body of evidence that currently exists," said Eileen Sheets, managing director.
Recently published research includes a meta-analysis of experimental rhinovirus infection studies. "The objective was to determine whether the negative results obtained in previous studies of echinacea were a consequence of efficacy or of inadequate sample size," said Ms. Sheets. "This is especially interesting to us in light of the negative studies, which have gained so much media attention. By pooling data from various studies, this meta-analysis showed clinical efficacy at preventing colds using echinacea extracts." The study concluded that standardized extracts of echinacea were effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation compared with placebo.
Bioforce will be releasing two other studies in scientific journals this year: the efficacy of Echinaforce Forte in athletes and a bioavailability study on the alkylamides in Echinaforce. The company is also conducting a clinical trial on the effects of Echinaforce and im-mune parameters in stressed and non-stressed subjects. Ms. Sheets says the results from this study are expected later this year.
Another study with immune compromised individuals found that GliSODin supplementation could help support the immune system and down-regulate oxidative stress. Mr. Anderson said GliSODin supplementation restored the natural antioxidant capacities to nor-mal levels, including SOD, catalase and Gpx. GliSODin helps support healthy immune function by promoting the body's capacity to respond to oxidative stress. This has been shown in animal studies, where free radical exposure caused cell death, and GliSODin in-creased the immune response by stimulating natural antioxidant defenses and protecting cells.
In a report published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, researcher and author Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka of the University of Louisville compared the immunostimulating properties of two different maitake mushroom extracts, one being Tradeworks Group, Inc.'s (Brattleboro, VT) MaitakeGold 404, against Lentinan, a pharmaceut-ical that contains a standard, well-researched mushroom-derived beta-glucan. The study showed that Maitake-Gold 404 had the highest level of stimulation in the greatest number of immune categories tested. MaitakeGold 404 via oral administration caused direct stimulation of cells involved in immune re-actions, as well as the release of numerous cytokines necessary for immune re-sponse and defense.
Some companies in the immunity market are beginning to focus on inflammation. "Inflammation is one of the first responses to infection and for several apparent reasons and others unknown, the immune system is not controlling the inflammation process," said Mr. Kjelden. "Uncontrolled inflammation can do as much damage to the body as the disease it is fighting." For this reason, Sterling Technology is committing a large share of its R&D resources to the study of inflammation.NW
"Every day our bodies are under attack from millions of microorganisms that pose a variety of threats to our immune system," said Jamie McManus, MD, FAACP, chairman, Medical Affairs, Health & Education at Shaklee Corp., Pleasanton, CA. "An important message for Americans is not to take their im-mune systems for granted and to learn how they can keep their immune systems healthy and strong." To further underline this message, Shaklee Corp. recently formed the Center for Immune Research (www.immunityfacts.com).
The Opinion Research Corp., Princeton, NJ, conducted a national poll for the Center for Immune Research, which found that 35% of adults-or 73 million Americans-admit to being more concerned about possible attacks on their immune systems than in previous years. Reinforcing this heightened concern, the poll also revealed a significant know-ledge gap among the public about many factors that weaken the body's immune system, some of which include psychological stress, lack of sleep and exercise, aging and poor diet.
Understanding the Immune System
According to the Center for Immune Research, the immune system functions as the human body's defense against "foreign invaders." It operates a silent army that wards off infection and keeps the body healthy. Consisting of a complex network of cells, tissues and organs, the immune system involves a sensitive process of checks and balances within the body that produce an effective im-mune response. The elaborate regulatory communications network includes lymphocytes-the white cells in the blood that are the key operatives of the immune system. Cells develop into two major types of lymphocytes called B cells and T cells. Macrophages represent another type of white blood cell that reinforces the work of the lymphocytes by engulfing and digesting microorganisms and antigens.
Cytokines are the chemicals produced by immune cells in order to communicate and orchestrate the attack. Cy-tokines also encourage cell growth, promote cell activation, direct cellular traffic and destroy target cells.
Long-term or "specific" immunity involves the recruitment of the B cells and T cells called "memory" cells; only these cells remember how to conquer past invaders and therefore form the basis of the body's vaccines.
Market Drivers
According to S.L. Wright, IV, CEO and
president, The Wright Group, Crowley, LA, the market is being driven today by two major factors: the aging of the population and the emergence of new infectious diseases like SARS, West Nile virus and H5N1 bird flu.
A "baby boomer" turns 60 every six seconds and Mr. Wright said it's in their mindset to want to live a healthy life. "The 'boomers' have always had a tendency to search out dietary solutions to health problems where possible and this won't change just because they are over 60 or 70," he said. "There is also the issue of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The news is full of these stories and they have had an enormous effect on consumers wanting to strengthen their immune systems."
The immune support market is alive and well. SPINS Inc., San Francisco, CA, says consumers currently spend over $10 million on products marketed specifically toward supporting the immune system, a 15% increase from last year. For the common cold specifically, SPINS claims consumers are spending over $350 million, an increase of nearly 9% over the last year.
The immunity market consists mainly of cold/flu products. This is probably be-cause the common cold is one of the most widespread diseases in western countries, resulting in direct medical costs of more than $16 billion annually, according to a meta-analysis examining exper-imental rhinovirus infection studies.
The public is starting to differentiate between products for cold/flu versus others intended to modulate immune function. However at this point, according to Eric Weaver, PhD, CSO, Proliant Health and Biologicals, Ankeny, IA, consumers don't fully understand the value of controlling immune function as an important aspect of immunity. "Modulating or controlling immune function has potential as more is learned about chronic disease and disease processes," he said. "The immune support marketcertainly holds greater possibilities beyond cold/flu products."
"Sometimes the success of immune support products has to do with the way ingredients are delivered," said Randy Kjelden, CEO, Sterling Technology, Inc., Brookings, SD. Recent market successes in this vein include Emergen-C from Alacer Corp., Foothill Ranch, CA, and Airborne from Airborne, Inc., Carmel, CA.
Consumers still seem to prefer im-munity support in the form of supplements. rather than foods and beverages. According to Eileen Sheets, managing director, Bioforce, Ghent, NY, this might be due to lack of real clinical evidence for foods and beverages.
"Overall the supplement industry is in an excellent position to make a positive impact on the immune status of people who are stressed by pollution, hectic lifestyles, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and a growing list of super-bugs," said Mr. Kjelden.
Immunity Solutions
(The following information was com-
piled from Alternative Medicine Review, PDRhealth.com, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Proliant Human Ingredients and the Center for Immune Research.)
Although the market is not experiencing an influx of new immune enhancing ingredients, it does have its fair share of solutions. "Some of the more interesting ones in recent months are various strains of probiotics, especially Lactobacillus GG (LGG) and the yeast s.boulardii, the prebiotics inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), whey protein isolates, which help form glutathione in the body, and a variety of high beta-glucan derivatives from shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms," said The Wright Group's Mr. Wright. "Two other relatively new entrants into the category are arabinogalactan from the larch tree and various immunoglobulin compounds derived from milk."
Probiotics: LGG is a well-documented bacteria strain that tolerates the acid conditions in the stomach and the bile acids in the small intestine. Unlike most other probiotics, LGG is able to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GI) to effectively colonize the digestive tract and balance intestinal microflora.
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii), a non-pathogenic yeast, can be useful in protecting against antibiotic-induced colitis. It has been shown in experimental models to stimulate sIgA production and enhance phagocytosis. These and similar findings suggest saccharomyces probiotic supplementation may modulate host immune responses and therefore have indirect antiviral benefits.
Prebiotics: Inulin represents a group of naturally occurring oligosaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants. Inulin is an effective prebiotic because it promotes the growth of healthy microflora and immune function in the colon. Inulin may have anti-tumor, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic act-ions. It may also help to improve mineral absorption and balance.
FOS, also sometimes called "oligofructose," has been popular in dietary supplements in Japan for many years and is now becoming increasingly popular in Western cultures for its prebiotic effects. FOS appears to be of benefit in modulating the microbial ecology of the gut, boosting gastrointestinal immunity. FOS may also protect against colon cancer, and may have favorable lipid effects in some.
Larch arabinogalactan is a novel polysaccharide derived from wood of the Western larch or Larix occidentali. Larch arabinogalactan is not one substance but a mixture of several different arabinogal-actans. Larch arabinogalactan has shown some immune-enhancing activity in the laboratory, particularly with regard to the stimulation of human natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Larch arabinogalactan is considered a non-digestible soluble dietary fiber. It is also thought to stimulate the colonic growth of such healthy bacteria as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Protein: Whey Protein features prebiotic effects, promotion of tissue repair, destruction of pathogens and elimination of toxins. An inadequate protein intake impairs the impact on the T-cell system. Whey protein modulates immune function by boosting GSH production, which protects cells against oxidative stress caused by pollution, toxins, exercise and UV exposure. It is synthesized within the cells using three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Whey proteins are a rich source of cysteine.
Immunoglobulin is a specialized protein produced by the body in response to a challenge by a foreign molecule. Supplemental immunoglobulins first act in the intestinal tract to eliminate or inhibit the proliferation of disease-causing organisms and toxins. It is this action against invading antigens in the bowel that creates the link between the gut and the rest of the body. The inhibition of the growth of opportunistic organisms or the absorption of toxins by the bowel reduces the stimulation of the immune system. Thus, the body's resources, particularly amino acids, which would normally be directed towards those challenges, can be redirected to other "battles" in other parts of the body.
Interferon is a natural protein that triggers the body's immune system to attack invading microbes and boosts the im-mune system's ability to mount an im-mune response. In humans, there are three major classes of interferon: alpha, beta and gamma. Because interferon is considered an effective anti-viral agent, it is important both for orchestrating and stimulating immune system response. NutriFeron is the only dietary supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon, which naturally increases the production of this critical component of the immune system. Marketed by Shaklee, NutriFeron was developed by Japanese scientist Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, director of research at Interferon Herb Laboratories. Dr. Kojima successfully isolated four botanicals that, in a proprietary combination, naturally increase the body's production of its own interferon. Since NutriFeron was developed, four human clinical studies have documented the supplement's actions.
Mushrooms: The Japanese diet has consisted of various kinds of mushrooms for many years. One mushroom that has had great success in Japan-the Brazilian mushroom Agaricus blazei-is now finding a market in North America thanks to Atlas World USA Inc., Torrance, CA. Agaricus blazei is usually supplied in dried mushroom form or as a liquid.
"Organic Agaricus blazei mushrooms, certified by both USDA organic agency and JAS (Japan Agricultural Standard), is a very powerful immune modulator," said Yori Takeda, COO, Atlas World "In Japan, it has been used in many immune challenge conditions, the more serious including cancer and diabetes."
Studies with Agaricus blazei have shown an increase in the number of white blood cells, a rise in the activity of natural killer cells, and an increase in production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. High levels of effective elements such as polysaccharides, both Beta(1,3)D-glucan & Beta(1,6)D-glucan protein compounds and ribonucleic acid protein compounds may account for enhancing the activity of macrophages, which destroy or delay the proliferation of damaged cells, according to Mr. Takeda.
Another study recently demonstrated that Agaricus blazei possesses a potent anti-angiogenic phytochemical, sodium pyroglutamate, which was determined to exert a triple play of actions-immune-modulatory, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic-in tumor-bearing mice.
Other Immune Support Options
Colostrum, an immune modulator, provides a combination of immune and growth factors, including immunoglobulins, cytokines, lactoferrin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), amino acids and other important nutrients. According to Sterling Technology, Inc., medical studies on anti-aging and healing have shown the vital growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2 and transforming growth factors (TGF-A and TGF-B), nucleotides from bovine colostrums, to be identical to humans in composition. It has also been shown to help stimulate normal growth, regeneration and accelerated repair of aged or injured muscle, skin collagen, bone, cartilage and nerve tissues. Sterling is developing a new product from colos-trum that shows impressive results in animals that are naturally exposed to several disease conditions, reducing prolonged inflammation.
Selenium deficiency appears to de-press the effectiveness of various components of the immune system. Selenium supplementation in humans has resulted in increased natural killer (NK) cell activity. It is suggested that selenium's effect on boosting cellular immunity may be due to "up regulation" of the expression of the T-cell high-affinity interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, providing a vehicle for enhanced
T-cell responses, as well as prevention of oxidative stress-induced damage to immune cells. Enhanced cellular im-munity may explain the possible stimulatory effects of selenium on anti-body production.
When thinking along the lines of im-munity support, most consumers don't consider the concept of our "antioxidant defense system," according Eric Anderson of P.L. Thomas Co., Morristown, NJ. This line of defense is the cellular antioxidant system, which is made up of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)-all of which are vitally important to supporting immune function by supporting cellular health.
"SOD, catalase and Gpx are three antioxidants that are critical during the most stressful periods of life, as certainly immune challenges are, and that must be supported in order for the body to adequately defend itself," said Mr. Anderson. "Significant oxidative stress that is the result of the natural processes of aging, emotional stress and environmental exposure can diminish our antioxidant defense system."
Another immune-boosting ingredient is zinc. Zinc deficiency is known to impair the immune system and decrease disease resistance. Zinc potentiates antioxidant functions, stabilizes membrane structure and function, and attenuates cell-mediated immunity. It is an essential part of SOD and protects vital biomolecules called sulfhydryl compounds from oxidizing and turning into free radicals. InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Inc., Benicia, CA, produces L-OptiZinc, a patented form of biologically active methionine-bound zinc that is used as a dietary supplement to promote immune function and fight free radicals.
For another perspective on immunity ingredients, Synergy Production Laboratories' (Moab, UT) Mitchell May, PhD, CEO and founder, turns to the abundant and colorful pigments found in fruits and plants, as these are the plant kingdom's extensively researched and powerful immune system. "Plants don't have white blood cells like humans do," said Dr. May. "What they have developed over tens of thousands of years of evolution are phytonutrients and phytochemicals that help protect them." Just like these compounds defend plants, they also provide both a protective function and a resiliency to assist humans in dealing with the bacteria, viruses, ultraviolet radiation, oxidation, pollution, toxins and potential mutagens that they are exposed to on a daily basis. Dr. May ad-vises taking concentrated supplements that come from whole foods and are pesticide-free, organic and naturally de-rived-these have the most protective mechanisms for immunity and long-term well-being.
"Instead of looking for a silver bullet via isolated compounds, which is what the pharmaceutical industry does well, our industry should be focusing on what the supplement can give the body nutritionally-on a daily basis-to allow it to function at its best." Dr. May said consumers need to build their overall wellness so that all functions in the body are optimum. "If you are only looking at what the white cells are doing in isolation, that's not immunity at all," he said. "Immunity can only be achieved when the body is fed properly and all of our cellular needs are being met. If this is the case, we can flow through all kinds of situations undaunted by certain toxins, oxidative stress, exposure to bacteria and viruses, or the many external challenges we face today."
Supportive Studies
The term "synbiotic," still in its infancy, continues to gain recognition in the nutraceuticals industry. A synbiotic combination reflects one which combines probiotics and prebiotics. To test the potential of both prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics), Orafti Active Food Ingredients, Malvern, PA, has launched The Syncan Program, a project featuring a set of trials to study the effects of synbiotics on cancer. One study consisted of 80 volunteers who were divided into two groups-those suffering from pre-cancerous lesions and those previously treated for colon cancer. Half of each group was given a placebo and the other half a synbiotic every day for 12 weeks. The synbiotic ingredients included a prebiotic, Orafti's Beneo Synergy 1, together with two probiotics, Lactobacillus LGG and Bifidobacterium BB12.
In people with a high risk of colon cancer, the results showed that the group receiving the synbiotic treatment had significantly decreased damage to their cells' DNA, compared with those who consumed the placebo. In addition, the people with colon cancer had an en-hanced immune response, producing more interferon gamma, which has antiviral activity and helps to avoid proliferation of potentially damaging cells.
Even though it isn't a new immune support solution, Bioforce USA, Ghent, NY, is concentrating its research on echinacea because of its efficacy track record. "Bioforce is continuing to invest heavily in clinical research on echinacea because there is still a lot to learn. We will continue to build on the body of evidence that currently exists," said Eileen Sheets, managing director.
Recently published research includes a meta-analysis of experimental rhinovirus infection studies. "The objective was to determine whether the negative results obtained in previous studies of echinacea were a consequence of efficacy or of inadequate sample size," said Ms. Sheets. "This is especially interesting to us in light of the negative studies, which have gained so much media attention. By pooling data from various studies, this meta-analysis showed clinical efficacy at preventing colds using echinacea extracts." The study concluded that standardized extracts of echinacea were effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation compared with placebo.
Bioforce will be releasing two other studies in scientific journals this year: the efficacy of Echinaforce Forte in athletes and a bioavailability study on the alkylamides in Echinaforce. The company is also conducting a clinical trial on the effects of Echinaforce and im-mune parameters in stressed and non-stressed subjects. Ms. Sheets says the results from this study are expected later this year.
Another study with immune compromised individuals found that GliSODin supplementation could help support the immune system and down-regulate oxidative stress. Mr. Anderson said GliSODin supplementation restored the natural antioxidant capacities to nor-mal levels, including SOD, catalase and Gpx. GliSODin helps support healthy immune function by promoting the body's capacity to respond to oxidative stress. This has been shown in animal studies, where free radical exposure caused cell death, and GliSODin in-creased the immune response by stimulating natural antioxidant defenses and protecting cells.
In a report published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, researcher and author Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka of the University of Louisville compared the immunostimulating properties of two different maitake mushroom extracts, one being Tradeworks Group, Inc.'s (Brattleboro, VT) MaitakeGold 404, against Lentinan, a pharmaceut-ical that contains a standard, well-researched mushroom-derived beta-glucan. The study showed that Maitake-Gold 404 had the highest level of stimulation in the greatest number of immune categories tested. MaitakeGold 404 via oral administration caused direct stimulation of cells involved in immune re-actions, as well as the release of numerous cytokines necessary for immune re-sponse and defense.
Some companies in the immunity market are beginning to focus on inflammation. "Inflammation is one of the first responses to infection and for several apparent reasons and others unknown, the immune system is not controlling the inflammation process," said Mr. Kjelden. "Uncontrolled inflammation can do as much damage to the body as the disease it is fighting." For this reason, Sterling Technology is committing a large share of its R&D resources to the study of inflammation.NW
