Glutathione

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH) is your body’s most abundant natural antioxidant.GSH protects your vision, boosts your immune system, helps turn carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the buildup of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Glutathione is a compound classified as a tripeptide made of three amino acids:cysteine,glutamicacid,and glycine. Glutathione is also found in every part of the body, especially the lungs, intestinal tract, and liver. The body produces and stores the largest amounts of GSH in the liver, where it is used to detoxify harmful compounds so that they can be removed from the body through the bile. The liver also supplies GSH directly to red and white blood cells in the bloodstream; it helps keep red blood and white blood cells healthy to maximize the disease-fighting power of the immune system. Glutathione also appears to have an anti-aging affect on the body. GSH levels decline with age, and a lack of glutathione has been shown to leave the body more vulnerable to damage by free radicals, thus speeding up oxidation (wearing down) of the body.

A glutathione deficiency can have a devastating effect on the nervous system, causing such symptoms as lack of balance and coordination, mental disorders, and tremors. Any illness (even a bad cold), chronic disorders such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or heavy exposure to pollutants can cause a GSH deficiency. This is because your body uses more GSH when it is supporting white blood cells and ridding the body of toxins.

Away to raise glutathione levels is to take cysteine,glutamic acid, and glycine, the raw materials it uses to make this compound. Glutamicacid and glycine are readily available in most Western diets, but the availability of cysteine can be the limiting substrate

Cystine

Cystine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that helps form healthy skin, hair,bones, and connective tissue. It is also required to make glutathione,one of the natural antioxidants that fight free-radical damage (glutathione detoxifies the liver).Each molecule of cystine is made from two molecules of cysteine,another sulfur-containing amino acid that, as its name suggests, is very similar to cystine; in fact, cystine is generally regarded as the more stable form of cysteine, although both amino acids can be converted into the other as needed.

Cystine works closely with glutathione to remove toxins from the liver. In fact, cysteine is often used in emergency rooms to treat acetaminophen overdoses, which are known to cause liver damage. It also protects the liver and brain against toxins absorbed from alcohol and cigarette use, and may be effective in preventing hangovers.

There’s a lot of cystine in alpha-keratin, the protein that makes up the fingernails, skin, and hair. For this reason cysteine supplements are sometimes marketed as anti-aging products that claim to stimulate the formation of collagen and improve skin elasticity. Cysteine supplementation may also help speed the healing of burns and wounds, and improve joint flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Because it promotes the production of the antioxidant glutathione, cysteine supplementation may be useful to those suffering from conditions that have been linked to free-radical oxidative damage, such as hardening of the arteries and cancer. It may also help treat emphysema,tuberculosis, and bronchitis—cysteine has been shown to help breakdown mucus in the respiratory tract.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding and iron-modulating protein found in bovine milk and even more prevalent in our whey protein concentrate. Lactoferrin resides in the chemical family called cytokines. This family of chemicals coordinates the body's cellular immune defensive response that protects us from most infections, tumors and cancers. They also boost the activity of T-cells and stimulate production of immunoglobulins. Without these cytokines our immune system suffers and reacts to that by creating an over-active immune response. It is our body's first defense, protecting orifices such as the eyes, mouth and nose from bacterial infection.

Lactoferrin and Iron Modulation
Lactoferrin is a vital bioactive molecule which can provide iron to those cells in need, and limit it to those in excess, maintaining an iron homeostasis within the body. Iron deficiency is a fairly common disorder, affecting billions of people a year. The result of iron deficiency can lead to extreme anemia, characterized by fatigue,lethargy, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. The role of iron in a well-functioning body and immune system is well documented and pretty much agreed upon across the board. Common sufferers of ron deficiency include (but are not limited to) women, children,vegetarians, and many studies conclude, high endurance athletes. The body does not easily assimilate iron (or Lactoferrin) in a denatured state (highly processed) which is how it is presented in many bovine dietary supplements. With these supplements, high amounts are required for any benefit to arise. Action Whey� is a non-denatured whey protein supplement that is not a by-product of cheese manufacturing and therefore the bioavailability of the Lactoferrin is maintained.

On the flip side excess iron is a risk as well,although not as common. Some complications associated with this disorder are: bacterial infections, diarrhea, gastro intestinal disorders and even iron-toxicity. A lot of these complications arise from the body's ingestion of unbound iron.

Iron that is bound to Lactoferrin is much easier for the body to absorb and utilize, and is not lost through human excretions or through other organisms in the body. Iron not bound in the body is a catalyst for the production of free radicals, which have a negative effect on the body's biology.Lactoferrin is an important part of the body's natural defense.Studies show that it inhibits the binding of pathogens like H. pyloriand E. coli to the intestinal wall. Many micro-organisms need iron for growth, by limiting the levels of free iron, Lactoferrin can inhibit bacterial growth and help to deprive them of iron. The pathogens cellular structure loses its integrity because of the iron deprivation and necrosis ensues.

Lactoferrin Studies
The first major entrance of Lactoferrin on the health scene was prompted by a paper written by an AIDS researcher discussing the importance of Lactoferrin as a regulator of the immune response in people with AIDS. Recent studies have shown that Lactoferrin can also inhibit the growth of the HIV virus.

There have been many other studies proving Lactoferrin to be a very beneficial substance. The antibacterial properties have been documented very well. A study by the Institute of Public Health in Tokyo, Japan showed that E. coli 0157:H7 can falter under influence of the anti microbial effects of bovine Lactoferrin.Another well-documented study by the National Cancer Institute in Tokyo, Japan concluded that bovine Lactoferrin inhibits the Hepatitis C infection in human cells. This is of major importance for Hepatitis C has been found to be the main causative factor in chronic viral hepatitis. Lactoferrin seems to inhibit the absorption of the viral particle to the human cell by binding to the cell receptor site or to the virus.

Lactoferrin has a broad range of benefits, with new discoveries being made daily. It enhances and modulates immune-function overall, plus has many iron-enhancing and modulating benefits. It has also been said to act as an immuno-stimulating factor in the digestive system, as well as an inhibitor of the growth of many unhealthy micro-organisms in the digestive tract. Lactoferrin regulates the immune response of the body in many differing ways. It inhibits many viruses from thriving in the body and it is a very important component in immune-therapy. Action Whey� provides an excellent source of non-denatured Lactoferrin in its most biologically-available state.

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins (IgG) are proteins that are present in bovine whey protein. One of their functions is as a transporter of antibodies against harmful microorganisms like viruses, bacteria's and other foreign invaders. IgG has been used to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis A, anemia,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and chickenpox, among others. IgG are essential elements to maintain a humans immunity from detrimental microorganisms and toxins. This substance is transferred from mother to child inside of the womb via the mother's blood to protect him/her from the introduction of pathogens in the outside world. This way the child is born with a passive immunity. IgG work together and separately to battle antigens. They circulate in the blood and lymphatic systems or they reside in the mucous membranes to act as a barrier against invaders.

These immunoglobulins are of a critical importance because many bacteria become more resistant to antibiotics every day. These bacteria infect our food supply and there are more virulent strains of bacteria created at a faster rate than the vaccines used to battle them. Consequently, science must continually play catch up. More and more diseases are being linked to bacterial infection, including peptic ulcers and heart disease. The claim of a link between bacterial infection and heart disorders has very strong evidence to support it (1). Action Whey�, with its high amounts of IgG, plays a major role as a supplier of these key protein fractions.

How The Body Utilizes IgG
Our body's first line of immune defense against unhealthy organisms is the intestinal tract (2). The IgG has been found to resist break down by the digestive enzymes within the digestive tract (due to the glyco-proteins and trypsin inhibitors), therefore the IgG enters the intestinal wall fully intact where they defend the lining against invading organisms, and prevent the absorption of foreign proteins.The IgG is a factor in increasing the immune system activity level.This substance is important in stabilizing and restoring a damaged intestinal tract so it can function once again at its optimum capacity for nutrient absorption and utilization.

The antibodies derived from bovine milk have many of the mothers milk IgG characteristics and may be active against the same diseases in humans. Immunoglobulins consist of four polypeptide chains with two of the same heavy chains linked by covalent and non-covalent bridges.The light and heavy chains both have areas with constant amino acids and with a variable region. This variable region is where the antibody meets the antigen (foreign molecule). The bovine milk antigens are resistant to the peptic digestion process, which is good for those of us using a non-denatured whey protein abundant in IgG proteins (3).

G. Bauriedel, et al.Chlamydia pnuemoniae in coronary plagues. Increased detection with acute coronary syndrome. Dtsch Med Wochenssch 124(13) (April 1, 1999): 37-80; FL Visseren, et al. Atherosclerosis as an infectious disease. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskdl 143(6) (Feb 6, 1999): 291-95; J. Danesch, et al. Is helicobacter pylori a factor in atherosclerosis? J Clin Microbiol 37(5) )May, 1999): 1651; Dp Strachan, et al., Relation of Chlamydia pnuemonia serology to mortality and incidence of ischaemic over 13 years in the caerphilly prospective heart disease study. Br Med J 318(7190) (April 17, 1999): 1035-39; Norman Watner, The Salt lake Tribune June 1, 1996.
Guyton AC. Protein Metabolism. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology 8th edition. Philadelphia (PA): WB Saunders; 1991.
Watson DL. Immunologic functions of the mammary gland and its secretion - Comparative review. Aust J Biol Sci 1980; 33:402-422

Bovine Serum Albumin, alpha-Lactalbumin and beta-Lactoglobulin
Bovine serum albumin enhances pregastric lipases, promoting more efficient newborn digestion, plus binds fatty acids in the body. More importantly, it also contains an appreciable amount of Cysteine, which is the molecular precursor to Glutathione. Cysteine is the form naturally found in fresh, raw whole milk. This is one of the many reasons why Action Whey� is so effective.

Alpha-lactalbumin is the subunit of lactose synthesis the enzyme which catalyzes the addition of galactose to glucose to create lactose*. It is possible this may aid in infant digestion of milk. It also contains Cysteine, though not in as great a ratio as bovine serum albumin.

Beta-lactoglobulin is involved with the transfer of passive immunity and the binding of retinol and fatty acids. This binding allows for the efficient uptake of fats by the cells.

The presence of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin protein in milk is a major cause for allergic reaction in humans. Subsequently, those with true milk allergies to milk protein should not ingest these milk proteins and should caution their use in any form. Lactose intolerance is not a factor in this allergic response. Typically lactose intolerance presents itself as diarrhea from the excess consumption of lactose (this can vary from individual to individual). Action Whey� contains low levels (0.6gper 10g serving) of lactose and this is well below the tolerance level for most people.

Glutathione

Action Whey� contains the highest levels of naturally-occurring Covalent Bonded Cysteine. This is the critical precursor (required nutrient) for intracellular production of Glutathione.

Glutathione (GSH) is known as the "Master" antioxidant, detoxificant and anti-aging factor. It is a tripeptide that is synthesized in all tissues from Cysteine, Glutamic acid and Glycine.

Glutathione may be effective in preventing accelerated aging. It also promotes liver detoxification, helps remove heavy metals, and is a powerful intracellular antioxidant that protects DNA, mitochondria and cell membranes. The optimal way to maintain healthy Glutathione levels is by taking Action Whey� primary protein supplementation.

Regarding Whey Protein Concentrate: The Journal of Immunology reports: The bioactivity occurs through the ability of the protein concentrate to help replenish Glutathione levels via continuous dietary provision of Glutathione precursors, especially Cysteine, during lymphocyte proliferation, thus supporting an optimal immune response. This process seems to not only increase inter cellular levels of Glutathione and precursors at the time of ingestion, but also builds up stores of these substances within the cells which lasts for a substantial post-ingestion time interval." Fidelus RK, Tsan MF.GSH and lymphocyte activation: a function of aging and auto immune disease. Immunology 61: 503-508, 1987

Coconut Oil and Medium-Chain Triglycerides

Regardless of the condition, recovery requires good nutrition. Food scientists have long noted the nutritional benefits of medium-chain triglycerides. MCT from coconut oil are used in hospital formulas to feed the very young, the critically ill, and those who have digestive problems. It makes up a vital part of the solutions fed to patients intravenously or through a tube inserted down the throat. If you were ever given formula as a baby you took advantage of the health-promoting properties of coconut oil. MCT from coconut oil have been added to baby formula for decades.

MCT are easily digested, absorbed, and put to use nourishing the body.Unlike other fats, they put little strain on the digestive system and provide a quick source of energy necessary to promote healing. This is important for patients who are using every ounce of strength they have to overcome serious illness or injury. It's no wonder why MCT are added to infant formulas. Actually, whether you were breast or formula fed as an infant you consumed MCT. Why? Because MCT are not only found in coconut oil but are natural and vital components of human breast milk. MCT are considered essential nutrients for infants as well as for people with serious digestive problems like cystic fibrosis. Like other essential nutrients, you must get them directly from the diet.

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10612.htm

Larch Arabinogalactan

Studies have reported that the immune-boosting properties of larch extract can help fight symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Researchers suggest that this is probably due to the supplement's ability to increase the rate at which the body seeks out and destroys viral invaders.

What's more, studies indicate that larch extract has promise in the fight against recurrent immune problems like chronic fatigue and viral hepatitis. Preliminary studies support the claim that it may have value as a complimentary therapy for children with inner ear infections in children.

Scientists have discovered that the benefits of larch extract may play a supportive role in the treatment of cancer. There is evidence that larch extract can help fight cancers that are triggered by lowered activity of natural killer, or NK, cells. By enhancing the growth of these cells, larch extract may be involved in suppressing cancers that develop when left unchecked by NK cells. A recent study also found that larch extract may be instrumental in preventing the spread of existing cancerous cells to other organs.

In addition to its disease fighting properties, larch extract also serves as an excellent source of fiber, thereby potentially improving colon health. Additionally, it has been shown to increase the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This is good news,researchers say, for patients who are suffering from complications associated with the use of prescribed antibiotics.

Action Whey Provides

per100 grams

2.4 grams of Cysteine

2.3 grams of Glycine

15.1grams of Glutamic Acid

10.0grams of Immunoglobulins

2.38grams of Lactoferrin

Action Whey

your source for Immune Support

Your Action Whey Contact:

Paul Blann

603-252-5220