The active ingredient in ImmuSun is WGP^TM beta glucan, a natural carbohydrate biopolymer that stimulates the human immune system as it passes through the body without being digested or absorbed. Activation occurs when WGP beta glucan comes in contact with the macrophage, a type of white blood cell present in specialized regions in the small intestine. The stimulated macrophages, the body's first line of defense, have an increased ability to identify and destroy foreign intruders. After devouring invaders, the macrophages then communicate the intruder's presence to the body's other defenders. Beta 1,3 glucan activates macrophages, putting these front-line immune system defenders on high alert. Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, circulate throughout the body and engulf and digest foreign invaders. They also play a pivotal role in coordinating the immune system's arsenal of defenses.

Taken orally, beta 1,3 glucan stimulates the innate immune system when it comes in contact with macrophages present in Peyer's Patches, specialized regions in the small intestine that transport antigens, such as bacteria and toxins, to the immune cells of the gut. Derived from yeast, the beta 1,3 glucan stimulates beta glucan receptors on the macrophages, convincing them that a fungus is attacking the body. This activation initiates a cascade of events leading to the expression of an overall heightened cellular immune response that includes increased:

• Production of white blood cells in the bone marrow, including macrophages, neutrophils and monocytes, which attack and devour harmful invaders
• Cellular mobilization, the ability to recognize "enemies" and move to the site of a foreign challenge
• Phagocytic capacity, the ability to engulf foreign cells
• Production of anti-microbial agents that lead to an enhanced ability of the immune system to defeat a challenge

These are triggered once the activated macrophages travel to the Gut-Associated-Lymphatic-Tissue (GALT) where it communicates the activation signal to other members of the immune system resulting in an activation of the innate immune system comprised of the macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer or NK cells. These phagocytic macrophages and neutrophils patrol the body with heightened sensitivity to identify, engulf and destroy foreign cells through a process called "phagocytosis." The macrophages kill and degrade the invader into peptides, which are used to communicate the foreigner's presence to the body's other defenders, including B-cells and T-cells.

These cells are all part of the acquired immune system, which adapts or learns to defend the body against a specific threat. T-cells help defend the body two ways. Some T-cells help regulate the complex workings of the immune system and others destroy infected or mutant cells. These cytotoxic T-cells need to recognize a specific antigen before it kills, whereas NK cells do not. Once alerted to the presence of an antigen, B-cells create large plasma cells that act as small factories secreting antibodies. Antibodies bind with foreign cells, identifying their presence for macrophages and other defenders that attack and kill the intruders. This is how the immune system rids the body of harmful invaders. Numerous scientific studies have proven that beta 1,3 glucan is a potent macrophage activator, which begins a cascade of events that help the immune system achieve top performance.

Yes. The immune-enhancing properties of yeast cell walls were first reported in 1939, but it wasn't until the 1960s that researchers identified beta 1,3 glucan as the immune-stimulating component. Since then, scientists at some of the world's preeminent universities and research institutions have conducted more than 800 beta 1,3 glucan studies in animals and humans. This research confirms that beta 1,3 glucan produces multiple broad-scale effects that strengthen the vitality of the immune system.

A large body of research exists on the effectiveness of injectable yeast beta 1,3 glucan for various indications. One of the most exciting developments at Biopolymer Engineering (the manufacturer of ImmuSun) is new data establishing the efficacy of orally administered yeast beta 1,3 glucan. Provided below are the official abstracts (reprinted in their entirety) or representative published studies conducted on beta 1,3 glucan, sorted by their applicability to specified conditions. These abstracts are intended to provide a balanced view of the available scientific information related to beta glucan.

Additional information about beta glucan:

Yes. ImmuSun is a natural product that contains beta glucan, which has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. WGP beta glucan is extracted from food-grade baker’s yeast, which is permitted for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Over the past decade, millions of beta glucan nutritional supplements have been consumed safely in the U.S.

No. There are no known side effects associated with ImmuSun beta glucan.

Yes. Children weighing 50 pounds or more may safely take the full Suggested Use amount of one capsule per day. Adjust the amount for smaller children. For special needs children, or if you have any concerns about dietary supplementation for children, consult with the child's physician or alternative health care practitioner.

No. Not all beta glucans are equal. Beta glucan is derived from several sources. The physical structure and biological activity vary with each source. ImmuSun is a scientifically proven immune system enhancer. We cannot speak to the efficacy, purity, or source of other beta glucans.

Daily. The body has millions of white blood cells that are constantly being renewed. Taken daily, one capsule of WGP beta glucan has been shown to stimulate the development of new white blood cells, helping the immune system maintain peak performance.

We added ImmuSun to our product line because it provides powerful, highly researched, compatible immune system enhancement. Immune system support has always been an important part of Cell Tech's product benefits, and we will continue to add new products and enhance our existing products to provide more options to our consumers.

Also, we believe that many new consumers will be attracted to Cell Tech and our other fine products because of their desire to get the best quality and most effective beta glucan, which is the WGP beta glucan in ImmuSun.

No. As a biomodulator with a specific, beneficial impact on the immune system, ImmuSun—like Super Blue Green Algae—has a balancing impact on the body that does not lead to overstimulation.

Yes. We understand and share the concern about the animal testing associated with ImmuSun. The testing in question is required by the FDA. In fact, similar testing is required by the FDA for Super Blue Green Algae. It is of interest to note that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) maintains a "Don't Test" list of companies which PETA feels should not perform animal testing. However, they specifically exclude companies like Cell Tech and Biopolymer Engineering (which produces WGP beta glucan), which are required by the FDA to perform such tests.

To quote directly from the PETA website, "The ["Don't Test"] list does not include companies that manufacture products that are required by law to be tested on animals (e.g., pharmaceuticals, automotive and garden chemicals, food additives, etc.). While PETA is opposed to all animal testing, our quarrel in this matter is with the regulatory agencies that require animal testing."

Yes. The beta glucan used in ImmuSun is related to the sugar family. It is not, however, a simple saccharide such as glucose or fructose, but is instead termed a 'complex saccharide' or 'complex carbohydrate' made up of a long chain of glucose molecules linked together. It is a naturally-occurring yeast cell wall polysaccharide and is not classified as a plant sugar.

The product contains only 250 mg of beta glucan (a complex carbohydrate of glucose). This is a small amount. Also, beta glucan is a non-digestible soluble fiber that contains less than 1% free sugar. So for practical purposes, most of the beta glucan will not break down into glucose molecules and be digested. Individuals who are concerned about this matter should consult with their physician or alternative health care practitioner.

Yes. While in general the oral form works best, ImmuSun powder can be mixed with skin cream or water and applied topically at a ratio of 1 mg ImmuSun mixture per square inch of skin. However, inhalation of ImmuSun powder is not recommended, since breathing in such particles may cause difficulties for individuals with particulate allergies.

Yes. Without inhaling the powder, the product may be made into a paste and applied topically. However, swallowing ImmuSun is the optimum method, as it can then benefit the entire immune system.

The term beta glucan is generic. The substance is found throughout nature-for example, in bacteria, fungi, mushrooms, and plants-but they are not all the same because the glucose molecules are structured differently. Beta 1,3 glucan from yeast is uniquely structured to bind most effectively to the innate immune system's beta glucan receptors, thereby enhancing its effectiveness in supporting the immune system.

There are two main differences. #1: The amounts extracted from mushrooms have traditionally been in very low concentrations compared to extractions from yeast. The obvious advantage of the yeast extract over the mushroom extract, then, is that less product is required. #2: The form of the yeast beta 1,3 glucan is more easily recognized by the intestinal flora than is the form common in the substance derived from mushrooms.

After you take Cell Tech's ImmuSun, wait at least 20 minutes before eating or before taking other supplements. After eating, wait at least 2 hours before taking the product. Some have found it practical to take ImmuSun first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Ingest other dietary supplements at least 20 minutes after ImmuSun so that your body can use ImmuSun most effectively.

At about 150 degrees F. Normal household temperatures are more than adequate for storage.

Yes, but it is not necessary. The product remains stable at room temperature.

Since the beta glucan in ImmuSun is derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast, persons with a known allergy to yeast may experience gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. Such individuals should consult with a physician or alternative health care practitioner before adding ImmuSun to their nutritional regimen.

Yes. There are no contraindications for ingestion of ImmuSun by those with an allergy to gluten.

No.

Yes. Yeast beta glucan is branched with both beta 1,6 and beta 1,3 glucans, enhancing its ability to bind and stimulate macrophages.

Biopolymer Engineering