Immunocal: characteristics, benefits and precautions when taking it

Many of us have heard the expression "you are what you eat." A good diet helps us to stay healthy and to function both physically and mentally.

However, there are factors in the environment, such as day-to-day stress, pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, or simply a certain genetic predisposition that act as burdens to be able to get our maximum potential.

In this article we will address Immunocal, a nutritional supplement used in the field of sport and also in people with chronic ailments, in addition to explaining its effects on the body and its benefits.

• Related article: "Types of vitamins: functions and benefits for your body"

What is Immunocal?

Immunocal, originally called HMS-90, is a food supplement which supplies all the amino acids that the human body needs to be able to carry out their biological functions. It is marketed in powder form and is mixed with water, yogurt or fruit juice.

It stands out for containing large amounts of the amino acid cysteine, which, through metabolic reactions, is transformed into a powerful antioxidant: glutathione.

Glutathione is a substance whose main function is to protect cells against oxidizing substances. It also intervenes in the body's detoxification processes, fighting pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other harmful agents. It also removes free radicals, which adversely affect cells.

Benefits of this supplement

Immunocal has a series of beneficial effects, listed below:

Antioxidant power and fights against free radicals. As we have indicated, it helps in the synthesis of antioxidant substances such as glutathione, thus preventing premature aging of cells.

When there are satisfactory levels of glulatión in the organism, vitamins such as A and E are released, which act as protective substances against external agents.

In addition, it fights against free radicals, which are involved in cell death.

Helps the immune system

Immunocal contributes to the production of lymphocytes, essential cells in the functioning of the immune system.

It also helps in increasing the activity of other cells of great importance to the immune system, such as T lymphocytes, neutrophils and NK cells (natural killers), which are involved in the processes infectious.

Strengthens sports activity

This supplement contributes to muscle recovery after performing high-effort physical activity.

Physical development occurs thanks to the action of different hormones and a correct protein synthesis. In order to form muscle mass, the body requires satisfactory levels of amino acids with which proteins will be made that will constitute the muscles.

Immunocal favors the development and maintenance of muscle mass thanks to the fact that it offers a wide variety of amino acids.

Amino acid transport

In addition to being a source of amino acids, this supplement contributes to their transport through the body.

This helps the nervous, immune, respiratory and digestive systems to satisfactorily fulfill their biological functions.

PH regulation

This supplement appears to help maintain proper pH levels.

If the pH of the body becomes too acidic, the cells can suffer hypoxia, that is, they have difficulties for oxygen to reach them.

Consumption mode

The recommended Immunocal doses vary depending on the characteristics of the patient or the athlete.

In people with some type of mild ailment, about 20 grams of this supplement is administered daily. In the most severe cases, the doses go up to 30 grams.

To promote its absorption, it is recommended to take immunocal without too much food in the stomach, and avoiding other sources with a lot of protein.

Therapeutic indications

This supplement is recommended for people over 35 years of age who are suffering from some serious disorder that occurs chronically, such as oxidative stress, deficit immunobiological, infectious hepatitis, certain types of cancers, chronic lung problems, asthma, malnutrition states, radiation poisoning and acetominophen, and processes related to biological aging.

Virtually almost everyone can take Immunocal: children, pregnant women, diabetics, hypertensive people, athletes, the elderly... AND its administration can be both therapeutic and prophylactic, although it should be remembered that it is not a drug, but a supplement that must be combined with effective medication.

Contraindications

This supplement is contraindicated for people who have some type of organ transplant such as kidneys or liver, excluding people who have pacemakers and dental prostheses or other kind.

Side effects

The Immunocal can produce, as the main side effect, stomach bloating if adequate hydration is not given. Skin irritations can also occur, although this is not usually something that happens frequently.

So far the consequences of an overdose of this supplement have not been reported.

What scientific support does it have?

Immunocal is not a drug, but a dietary supplement. It is for this reason that doubts may arise as to whether what its advocates say is really effective and true.

This supplement is endorsed by several organizations specialized in testing the effectiveness of medicines and nutritional supplements. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the immunocal with the GRAS category, considered a safe product for human consumption.

In the country in which it was produced for the first time, Canada, the CPS considers that it is an effective natural supplement to improve the state of health in several ailments, however, it is emphasized that it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

The Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) describes this supplement as a good source of glutathione and cysteine, detailing the therapeutic effects it has been shown to offer.

These organizations emphasize that as it is a supplement of natural origin, it has a low incidence of side effects. That is why, and as long as the patient's ailment is not extremely serious and more powerful alternatives are required, Immunocal is indicated as combined treatment with pharmacological.

Bibliographic references:

• Karelis A.D., Messier V., Suppère C., Briand P., and Rabasa-Lhoret R. (2015) Effect of cysteine-rich whey protein (immunocal®) supplementation in combination with resistance training on muscle strength and lean body mass in non-frail elderly subjects: a randomized, double-blind controlled study. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging. 19(5) 531-6.
• Lomaestro B., and Malone M. (1995) Glutathione in health and disease: pharmacotherapeutic issues. Annuals of Pharmacotherapy 29: 1263–73.