There are two parts of the immune system; humoral and cell-mediated immunity that work together as a sophisticated defense system. Normally, antibodies are produced in response to a foreign material (antigen). Immune complexes form between antibodies and antigens and are scavenged from the circulation or mucosal surfaces. Cell-mediated immunity relies on T and B lymphocytes, mast cells, macrophages and others. T-cells regulate other defensive cells, including macrophages and killer cells. Cells of the immune system, turn over rapidly, hence their nutrient requirements are high.

In addition, special phagocytic cells generate free radicals and other reactive species to attack the foreign material. These oxidants contribute to the oxidative burden of organs which, if unchecked by the body's antioxidant defenses, can damage membrane lipids (cell walls). Membranes damaged by lipid peroxidation may offer less resistance of infection. The production of radicals from endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) sources consume antioxidants. Consequently, a variety of nutrients and factors support immune function.

There are specific nutrients that are necessary for the immune system to be able to operate at it's optimum. The following information explains how and why these nutrients work together to enable our immune system to operate so efficiently.

Vitamins

Vitamin A has long been known to support mucosal cell surfaces and the immune system. Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of lymphatic tissues, antibody levels, and responses of cellular immunity to challenge by exogenous stimulatory substances. However, the effects are selective. Possibly, a metabolite of retinol regulates lymphocytes (especially IgA's). In vitamin A deficient rates, phagocytic activity of circulating polymorphonuclear lymphocytes declined. The integrity of epithelial cells and production of protective agents such as mucus secretions, are essential for healthy mucosa. In vitamin A deficiency, the mucosa, glands and ducts are susceptible to disease. Vitamin A requirements appear to be only partially met by the consumption of dark, green, leafy vegetables.

Vitamin C scavenges free radicals and is essential for the function of many systems, including the immune system. Vitamin C is required for the processes that regulate inflammation, and it combats the effects of oxidative stress. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant in the blood and it works together with vitamin E. For example, supplemental vitamin C and vitamin E decreased the production of reactive oxygen species and of lipid peroxidation in patients with myocardial infaction. During periods of stress, urinary excretion of vitamin C increased. Vitamin C supplemented volunteers exhibited increased natural killer cell activity.

Vitamin B: Vitamin B2, B6 and panthothenic acid have specifically shown an ability to enhance antibody production. Lack of Vitamin B2 reduces the spleen's ability to produce antigens. Vitamin B2 is necessary for proper thymic function. Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in all rapidly dividing cell types such as lymphatic cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to reduced lymphocyte differentiation, reduced immune responses and impaired antibody production. Other research suggests that suboptimal vitamin B6 intake may play a role in a defective immune response in hemodialysis patients as well.

Co-Factors
Mixed natural carotenoids, isolated from plants, include alpha and beta carotenes and oxycarotenoids, such as zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids complement vitamin E as lipid-soluble antioxidants. The natural mixed carotenoids are better absorbed and are more effective antioxidants than synthetic beta carotene. Beta carotene has long been known to have a protective impact on the immune system and double blind studies after supplementation of beta carotene, showed marked increases in immune cell complexes.

CoEnzyme Q10 has been shown to decrease plasma production of lipid peroxides, and studies have shown thymic Coenzyme-Q10 levels declined in mice with increasing age but, Coenzyme-Q10 together with vitamin B6 supported the production of T4-lymphocytes and immunoglobins.

Minerals

Selenium is a trace mineral that is converted to selenocysteine, which is a catalytic role in glutathione peroxidase production. And in this sense, selenium can be considered an antioxidant. Selenium has a major impact on the immune system. Selenium deficiency can lead to depressed immunity and reduced T-cells. Glutathione peroxidase acitivity was significantly higher in younger people than in elderly subjects.

Copper, Manganese and Zinc: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the only family of enzymes that specifically inactivate free radicals, namely the superoxide radical. Excessive superoxide production, as well as excessive amounts of other oxidants, is linked to chronic, oxidative stress.

Mitochondrial SOD requires manganese as an essential cofactor; copper and zinc are also necessary in SOD activities in lymphocytes and neutrophils as established in age related research.

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the health of the immune system. It is a required cofactor for DNA and RNA reproduction. Rapidly dividing cells, including mucosal cells and immune cells, require zinc. Zinc deficiency leads to atrophy of lymphatic tissues, decreased skin delayed immune response, impaired phagocytes, and decreased thymic hormone activity.

Bio-Immunozyme Forte contains bovine neonatal thymus, spleen, liver, pancreas, in addition to bovine parotid gland, lymphatic and placental tissues. These glandular preparations are processed to maintain nutrients, enzymes and associated factors. Biotics Research Corporation uses bovine neonatal tissues where possible. The newborn animal has not been subjected to environmental factors to which the adult animal is subjected. The thymus is most active within a few days after birth, when it populates lymph nodes and the spleen. The effects of preparations of thymic factors after oral administration have been studies. Thymus extract supported thymic function during invironmentally-induced physical stress. Spleen extracts can specifically modulate phagocytic acitivity in vitro. Healthy endocrine pancreatic glands are also important. They secrete glucogon, insulin and somatostatin. Somatostatin regulates growth hormone secretion. Healthy adrenal glands support nprmal immune function. They produce hormones that adapt the body to stress. Laboratory analysis of Biotics Research Corporation's adrenal glandulars did not detect the presence of the steriod hormones. Salivary glands produce factors that can enhance lymphocyte proliferation and support thymus, spleen and lymph nodes in animal models. The majly salivary glands also produce antimicrobial factors.

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