Immunocal: features, benefits and precautions when taking it

A dietary supplement based on the supply of amino acids necessary for the human body.

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 a hindrance to our full potential.

In this article we will discuss Immunocal, a dietary 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.

What is Immunocal?

Immunocal, originally called HMS-90, is a food supplement which supplies all the amino acids needed by the human body to carry out its Biological functions. body needs to carry out its 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 is also involved in the body's detoxification processes, fighting pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other harmful agents. It also eliminates free radicals, which have a detrimental effect on cells.

Benefits of this supplement

Immunocal has a number of beneficial effects, listed below:

Antioxidant power and fights 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 glutathione in the organism, vitamins such as A and E are released, which act as protective substances against external agents.

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

Supports the immune system

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

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

Reinforces sports activity

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

The physical development is due to the action of different hormones and a correct synthesis of proteins.. In order to build muscle mass, the body requires satisfactory levels of amino acids from which proteins will be made to form muscles.

Immunocal supports the development and maintenance of muscle mass by offering 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.

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

pH regulation

This supplement seems to contribute to maintain adequate pH levels.

If the pH of the organism becomes too acidic, the cells may suffer hypoxia, that is to say, they may have difficulty in receiving oxygen.

Directions for use

The recommended doses of Immunocal vary according to the characteristics of the patient or athlete.

In people with mild ailments, about 20 grams of this supplement is administered daily. In more severe cases, the doses increase to 30 grams..

To favor its absorption, it is recommended to take immunocal without too much food in the stomach, and avoiding other sources with a lot of food in the stomach.and avoiding other sources with a high amount 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, immunobiological deficits, infectious hepatitis, certain types of cancers, chronic lung problems, asthma, malnutrition states, radiation and acetominophen intoxication, and processes related to biological aging.

Almost everyone can take Immunocal: children, pregnant women, diabetics, hypertensive people, sportsmen, elderly people... And its administration can be both therapeutic and prophylactic, although it is important to remember that it is not a drugbut a supplement that must be combined with effective medication.

Contraindications

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

Side Effects

Immunocal may produce, as the main side effect, stomach bloating if adequate hydration is not given. Skin irritation may also occur, although this is not a frequent occurrence.

So far no consequences of an overdose of this supplement have 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 it is really effective and true what its advocates claim.

This supplement has the backing of several organizations that specialize in testing the effectiveness of drugs and dietary supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified immunocal as a GRAS has classified immunocal as GRAS, considered a safe product for human consumption..

In the country where it was first produced, Canada, the CPS considers it to be 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 a naturally occurring supplement it has a low incidence of side effects. Therefore, as long as the patient's condition is not extremely serious and more potent alternatives are required, Immunocal is indicated as a combined treatment with pharmacological treatment.

Referencias bibliográficas:

• Karelis A.D., Messier V., Suppère C., Briand P., y 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., y Malone M. (1995) Glutathione in health and disease: pharmacotherapeutic issues. Annuals of Pharmacotherapy 29: 1263–73.