|
OysterMax® and Immunity
‘OysterMax® has naturally elevated levels of organic zinc to help increase the immune response during times of illness’
‘Adequate intakes of vitamins and trace elements are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immune functions by affecting the innate T-cell-mediated immune response and adaptive antibody response,’[1]
‘It is clear that the effects of zinc deficiency on cell-mediated immune functions are multifactorial. It appears that a decreased serum thymulin activity as a result of zinc deficiency may play a crucial role in the overall picture accounting for T-cell disorders in zinc deficiency’ [2]
‘OysterMax® is a micronutrient complex of trace elements in a bio-active amino acid matrix, to help boost the immune response’
Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. Even mild zinc deficiency can lead to imbalances, which can affect the proper functioning of the thymus gland. The thymus gland produces thymulin, which has a regulatory role on the immune system.
Thymulin: A zinc-dependent thymic hormone that regulates the function of mature T cells and natural killer cells and also functions as a transmitter between the neuroendocrine and immune systems.
Zinc supports a healthy immune system [4,5] & is needed for wound healing. [6]
‘OysterMax® has high levels of organic zinc in a very bio available format to ensure the effects of zinc deficiency do not manifest in your healthy lifestyle’
Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in T lymphocyte production and in T4+ helper cells. These changes can be reversed with zinc supplementation [7]
It also needs to be remembered that certain groups of people with depressed immune systems, such as HIV sufferers, diabetics and alcoholics may have an increased requirement for zinc. [4,5]
Zinc also helps the immune system to regulate the process by which defective or worn out cells are killed off by the body before they have a chance to multiply themselves and perhaps ultimately become cancerous.
Zinc is crucial, not just in staving off long-term degeneration, but in fighting off acute infections.
OysterMax and colds & flu
Many people take zinc supplements annually to combat the common cold. This supplementation is mainly in the form of lozenges or pills.
This zinc is taken in synthetic forms such as Zinc Gluconate, Zinc acetate, Zinc citrate, Zinc Chloride or Zinc Sulphate.
However, zinc does not occur freely in the body in these forms and the bio availability of these synthetic forms is unclear.
These forms do not take into account zinc’s co-factors. These co-factors include copper, manganese and selenium.
All these co-factors are present in OysterMax in useful quantities.
Zinc taken in a synthetic form has to first bind to organic constiuents or transport molecules during digestion in order to be absorbed correctly. [2]
Because the zinc in OysterMax is already bound to organic constituents or transport molecules, it’s absorption is more effective. These transport molecules include amino acids, nucleic acids, peptides and organic acids.
'OysterMax® delivers zinc in a bio available, organic format as nature intended'
References
1. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28. Review.
2. Prasad, A.S., 1993. Biochemistry of zinc.
3. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. Epub 2005 Dec 21. Review.
4. Philpott M, Ferguson LR. Immunonutrition and cancer. Mutat Res. 2004 Jul 13;551(1-2):29-42. Review.
5. Fraker PJ, King LE. Reprogramming of the immune system during zinc deficiency. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:277-98. Review.
6. Fischer Walker C, Black RE. Zinc and the risk for infectious disease. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:255-75. Review
7. Chandra, R.K., and Dayton, D.H., 1982. Trace element regulation of of immunity and infection, Nutr. Res. 2:721
8. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 2001.
9. Beck FW, Prasad AS, Kaplan J, Fitzgerald JT, Brewer GJ. Changes in cytokine production and T cell subpopulations in experimentally induced zinc-deficient humans. Am J Physiol 1997;272:E1002-1007
| |
|
