Frequently Asked Questions

What is Immunocal?

Immunocal is an all-natural protein derived from milk. It is a specially-prepared whey protein isolate that is proven to raise glutathione levels in your body!

If someone is lactose intolerant, can they take Immunocal?

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 (see below).

If someone has a milk allergy, can they take Immunocal?

Most people who claim they have a milk “allergy” are actually not allergic, they are lactose intolerant. If this is the case, you can take Immunocal.

If you have a true allergy to milk proteins, then you 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%).

There are other whey protein isolates on the market. How is Immunocal different?

  • Well researched – Immunocal is supported with extensive research published in medical journals
  • High Efficacy – Immunocal is produced in a special way to preserve the proteins’ natural structure so that it retains its profound effect on your cells
  • Proven – Immunocal is clinically proven to work in human beings
  • Accredited

How does the manufacture of Immunocal differ from other whey proteins?

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 (pasteurisation) and harsh methods of mixing, resulting in a denatured and ineffective product.

What does undenatured mean?

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 your cells. It is critical that these precursors remain intact or undenatured during the manufacturing and mixing processes in order to enhance your immune system. That is why we recommend that Immunocal not be heated or subject to harsh mixing in order to preserve it’s bioactivity.

Do other whey protein isolates work?

As a source of amino acids, whey protein has a superior nutritional advantage over other types of protein. They 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 you wouldn’t know for sure whether they work..

How does Immunocal work?

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

What is glutathione?

It is a substance that is produced by your own cells that is fundamental to life.

Glutathione (GSH) plays many roles, for the most important roles, think IDEA:

  • I – GSH plays an important role in the proper functioning of your immune system
  • D – GSH is used by your body to detoxify carcinogens, toxins, and other foreign substances
  • E – GSH increases your energy levels, strength and endurance
  • A – GSH is your body’s master antioxidant

 

Why can’t I just eat glutathione?

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.

How have the benefits of Immunocal been proven? How do I know it works?

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 easily find these articles on-line.

What are the “PDR and “CPS”?

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.

How about other whey protein isolates that claim to have research as well?

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

  • That they are quoting work done by Dr. Bounous, Dr Kongshavn, Dr 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 on human beings.

Who can NOT take Immunocal?

  • 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.

Can pregnant or lactating women take Immunocal?

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.

Are there any side effects?

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.

Can I overdose on Immunocal?

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.

How NOT to mix Immunocal?

  • Avoid hot liquids and extremely acidic liquids
  • Power blenders should generally be avoided (Small, low-speed, hand-held plastic blenders are acceptable)

How long is Immunocal good for once it has been mixed?

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

When is the best time to take Immunocal?

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.

Does Immunocal contain any pesticides, antibiotic or additives?

Immunocal does NOT contain antibiotics or pesticide residues and is additive-free; the sole ingredient is whey protein isolate.

How much raw milk does it take to make Immunocal?

We need 300 liters (125 gallons) of fresh, raw milk to produce 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of Immunocal. It is then produced using a gentle process and low temperatures to preserve the biological activity of the proteins.

What is the difference between taking Immunocal as opposed to taking other antioxidants?

Immunocal, as such, is not an antioxidant but provides the building blocks for the synthesis of glutathione, which is the principal intracellular antioxidant. GSH is also known as your body’s Master Antioxidant as it recycles other antioxidants.

Did we miss something?

 

Just put your question(s) in the form at the bottom and hit send. We are more than happy to help with whatever queries you have 🙂