Immunel Colostrum Boosts Immune Cell Activity

BROOKINGS, S.D.A bovine colostrum low-molecular weight fraction (as Immunel from Sterling Technology) supported antimicrobial immune defense mechanisms and activated certain immune-boosting cells in to two recent studies conducted at NIS Labs and published in Preventive Medicine.

The first study, published in December 2011, reported Immunel  supported antimicrobial immune defense mechanisms and maturation of antigen-presenting cells in vitro, which researchers noted translated to protection in vivo when it is introduced across mucosal membranes (Prev Med. 2011 Dec 28). In this two-part study, researchers first conducted an in vitro examination of cell-based immune assays, and then looked at host resistance toward bacterial and viral infection in two mouse studies. In vitro data showed a multimodal effect, as Immunel treatment resulted in a rapid increase in phagocytosis (cells that remove pathogens) and increased movement of polymorphonuclear cells (type of white blood cell) toward the bacterial peptides. The second part of the first study evaluated mouse models and showed when Immunel was given to mice around the time of (Streptococcus) and viral (influenza) challenges, an accelerated clearance of infection was observed. Reduced bacterial and viral loads were observed in lungs within 24 hours. Viral load was also reduced when Immunel was introduced.

The second study, published in January 2012, found a single dose of Immunel increased phagocytic activity and rapid transient changes in natural killer (NK) cell numbers, which both benefit the immune system (Prev Med. 2012 Jan 17). The placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized crossover trial involving 12 healthy subjects, age 22 to 72, was conducted in 2010. Subjects were given a placebo or 150 mg/d of Immunel. Researchers reported a single dose, when compared to placebo, resulted in rapid increase in phagocytic activity of monocytes one hour after ingestion (P<0.12), and polymorphonuclear cells one hour after ingestion (P<0.08) and two hours after consumption (P<0.03). Subjects who took the supplement had increased numbers NK and other immune-boosting cells an hour after consumption.

A previous study on Immunel, also conduced by NIS Labs, found it activated immune cells involved in anti-bacterial and anti-viral immune defense mechanisms.

It is our goal to scientifically substantiate the health solutions that bioactive components could offer for consumers of all ages; considering colostrum is the first initial food for mammals that provides immune support, it is not surprising research on immune health is one of those targets," said Randy Kjelden, president of Sterling Technology.

Find out more information on clinical evidence for all types of dietary supplements that can modulate the immune system as well as specific recommendations for testing methodologies that can be used to support immune health claims at the SupplySide MarketPlace education session, "Health Condition: Immune System," on Thursday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Javits Center, New York.