NOW Foods Immunity Support Products
By Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA

Today’s world is full of challenges to our immune systems. There are limited medical options against viruses. Antibiotics won’t help; flu drugs must be taken within 48 hours and reportedly reduce symptoms by only 1.5 days. Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch of the Centers for Disease Control, advises sanitation –such as thorough hand washing - to prevent the spread of germs.

What can we do to remain healthy in the face of these challenges? The products listed below provide general immune support; they are not treatments for any disease.

• AHCC® # 3032: 500mg, 60 Vcaps™

# 3035: 2-oz powder (equivalent to 114 x 500mg capsules)
# 3034: 750mg, 60 Vcaps™

AHCC® (active hexose correlated compound) is a proprietary extract prepared from co-cultured mycelia of several species of Basidiomycete mushrooms, including shiitake (Lentinus edodes). According to extensive research in humans, as well as numerous non-clinical studies, AHCC® supports immune system function through its effects on macrophages and NK (Natural Killer) Cells. *

• Air Defense™ # 3372: 90 Vcaps™

NOW® Air Defense™ is a blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids that support optimal immune function and respiratory health.

o Air Defense™ contains PARACTIN®, a patented extract of Andrographis paniculata that has been shown to support a healthy and balanced immune response by modulating the immune system’s production of immune cells (Interferon gamma (IFNg), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and T-cells). Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to significantly increase cell-mediated immunity in response to stresses, such as those encountered during seasonal changes and respiratory discomfort. *
o Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) has been shown in non-clinical studies to support a number of aspects of healthy immune function, including the enhancement of T-Cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. *
o Olive Leaf Extract (Olea Europaea with 18% minimum Oleuropein content) has been added to help to maintain healthy respiratory function. *
o Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) standardized extract may provide protection against oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory cytokines to protect respiratory function. Elderberry provides Vitamins A and C, as well as anthocyanins, which are potent free radical scavengers. Clinical and non-clinical studies have demonstrated Elderberry's immune-supporting properties. *
o Larch tree (Larix occidentalis) polysaccharides (arabinogalactans) help to support healthy intestinal flora and aid healthy immune function. They stimulate the immune system through the activation of phagocytosis and other effects. The patented ingredient ImmunEnhancerT is used in this product. *
o Selenium has been shown to help the immune system modulate inflammatory response in mice challenged with reactive agents. Animals deficient in selenium had much poorer outcomes than those whose diets were supplemented with this antioxidant mineral. *
o Zinc has been studied for its role in immune response in respiratory tissues. *
o NOW Air Defense™ also provides vitamins A and C, beta carotene, magnesium, ginger root extract and important amino acids.

• AlliBiotic CF™

o NOW® AlliBiotic CF™ is scientifically designed to help support healthy seasonal and year-round immune function. *
o This potent herbal formula is fuelled by Allisure®, a clinically-tested, safe and unique form of stabilized Allicin from fresh garlic. Allicin has been shown to improve respiratory health and immunity. *
o Clinical and non-clinical studies have demonstrated Black Elderberry's (Sambucus nigra) immune-supporting properties. *
o Olive Leaf Extract (Olea Europaea with 18% minimum Oleuropein content) has been added to help to maintain healthy respiratory function. *
o Larch tree (Larix occidentalis) polysaccharides (arabinogalactans) help to support healthy intestinal flora and aid healthy immune function. They stimulate the immune system through the activation of phagocytosis and other effects. The patented ingredient ImmunEnhancerT is used in this product. *
o Oil of Oregano (Origanum vulgare; also known as wild oregano and wild marjoram) contains carvacrol and thymol, which are responsible for much of its biochemical effects. *

• Black Elderberry Extract #4667: 500mg, 60 Vcaps

Elderberry, Zinc & Echinacea Syrup #4853: 4 fluid ounces
Elderberry & Zinc Lozenges #3297: 30 Lozenges
#3299: 90 Lozenges

o Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) standardized extract may provide protection against oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory cytokines to protect respiratory function. Elderberry provides Vitamins A and C, as well as anthocyanins, which are potent free radical scavengers. Clinical and non-clinical studies have demonstrated Elderberry's immune-supporting properties. *
o Each Elderberry & Zinc lozenge contains Black Elderberry extract powder that is synergistically formulated with Zinc and Vitamin C for maximum effectiveness. Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an important role in supporting the immune system. Echinacea, Propolis and Slippery Elm have been added to complement this unique formula.*
o NOW also offers Black Elderberry standardized extract in Air Defense™ Vcaps® and AlliBiotic CF™ softgel capsules (see other sections for details).

• Echinacea #4660: 400mg, 100 capsules

#4662: 400 mg, 250 capsules
#4838: 2-oz, Liquid Glycerite

o Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea; also known as purple coneflower) is well known for its immune modulating effects. E. purpurea extracts demonstrate significant immunomodulatory activities. Among the many pharmacological properties reported, macrophage activation has been demonstrated most convincingly. A meta-analysis of studies supporting echinacea’s immune-supporting benefits was published in the British medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. *
o This common herb is available in many forms. These include liquid extract and capsules; also Elderberry, Zinc & Echinacea Syrup, Air Defense™, and Ultimate Zinc-C lozenges.

• EGCg #4704: 200mg, 90 Vcaps®

#4757: 200mg, 180 Vcaps®

o Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains green tea catechins such as EGCg that are very useful in improving immune response related to respiratory health. NOW’s EGCg provides 200 mg per capsule (from 400mg of Green Tea Extract providing 50% EGCg content). *

• Natural Resveratrol #3339: 100mg per 2 capsules, 60 Vcaps®

#3353: 200mg per capsule, 60 Vcaps®
#3354: 200mg per capsule, 120 Vcaps®
#3358: 150mg per serving, 16-oz Liquid (June 2009)

o Natural Resveratrol, naturally occurring in grape vines, grape skins, red wine, and other plants as the trans- form, improves immune response and down-regulates the activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines. *
o NOW’s 100mg formula also contains 200mg of red wine extract, 200mg of green tea extract providing 90mg of EGCg, and 100 mg of the antioxidant Grape seed Extract.
o NOW’s Natural Resveratrol Liquid formula provides 150mg of natural trans-Resveratrol per serving in a 300mg base of Super Fruit Antioxidant Blend: raspberry, cranberry, acai, mangosteen, pomegranate, goji, wild blueberry, grape, prune, tart cherry, wild bilberry and strawberry.

• NOW AlphaSorb-C™ #0716: 500mg, 90 Vcaps®

#0717: 500 mg, 180 Vcaps®
#0725: 1,000 mg, 60 tablets
#0726: 1,000 mg, 120 tablets
#0727: 1,000 mg, 240 tablets

Effer-C™ Packets #0591: Raspberry, 36 packets

#0595: Cranberry, 36 packets
#0601: Lemon-Lime, 36 packets
#0603: Orange, 36 packets

o Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, ascorbate) in divided doses supports immunity. In a two-year controlled study, “vitamin C administration resulted in an 85-percent decrease” in upper respiratory symptoms compared to the control group. *
o NOW AlphaSorb-C™may offer enhanced absorption of the essential vitamin, whose blood levels drop by half every 30 minutes. It contains the Vitamin C metabolite Threonic Acid, which has been shown to enhance cellular uptake of Vitamin C. This buffered, non-acidic Vitamin C supplement also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, an antioxidant known to help regenerate Vitamin C in the body. Furthermore, studies suggest that Alpha Lipoic Acid may enhance the body's absorption and utilization of Vitamin C. The addition of Bioflavonoids creates a well-absorbed, highly effective Vitamin C supplement. *
o NOW Effer-C™ packets are another good choice. A potent blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this pleasant tasting natural mix can be added to water and provides 1,000mg of buffered vitamin C.

• Vitamin D-3 #0365: 1,000 IU, 180 softgel capsules

#0367: 2,000 IU, 120 softgel capsules
#0377: 2,000 IU, 240 softgel capsules
#0372: 5,000 IU, 120 softgel capsules
#0370: 100 IU per drop, 2 fluid ounces (about 535 drops)

o Vitamin D (cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol) deficiencies have been associated with immune challenges during the winter months when sunlight is not as able to produce the vitamin in our bodies. A deficiency can inhibit the body’s ability to maintain health and immunity. *

• Tru-E BioComplex™ #0950: 200 IU, 60 softgel capsules

o Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) deficiencies have been shown to decrease immune response and increase inflammatory responses leading to possible tissue damage in the respiratory system. NOW® Tru-E Bio Complex™ is a unique biologically balanced, patent-pending formula providing 441mg of mixed tocopherols and 33mg of mixed tocotrienols. This product features 100% natural, certified Non-Genetically Engineered sources of all 8 isomers (forms) of the Vitamin E "family" in ratios similar to what is found in a healthy diet, but at higher functional levels that are still regarded as safe. This biological balance is important because recent research indicates that these isomers work best as a team to quench the lipid and nitrogen free radicals known to cause injury to cells and tissues. *

• Ultimate Zinc-C #0650: 50 Lozenges

#0652: 100 Lozenges

o Zinc supports healthy immune functions.
o Ultimate Zinc-C provides 24mg of zinc from zinc gluconate and 150mg of vitamin C. It also contains 1,000 IU of vitamin A, 100mg Echinacea purpurea root, 100mg bee propolis and 25mg slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) bark powder.
o NOW Air Defense™ also provides zinc.

Please see a physician if you suspect that you may have been exposed to illness. Inform your physician before taking any dietary supplements if you take any medications or are being treated for any condition. Read all product labels carefully and follow all directions and label cautions, and do not exceed the highest recommended servings.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA is a board certified clinical nutritionist with a Diplomate in Advanced Nutritional Laboratory Assessment. He is a professional member of the International & American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and serves on the Scientific Council of the national Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.

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