So, what exactly is EpiCor? And, why is EpiCor formulated into popular immune supplements from some of the most trusted natural product brands?
Unlike other ingredients that are purified extracts or chemically synthesized compounds, EpiCor is a natural fermentation ingredient composed of dozens of nutrients that work together to help strengthen your immune system. In other words, it acts like a multivitamin for your immune system.*
When taken daily, EpiCor has been shown to be a safe and effective way to help strengthen the immune system year-round by balancing immune response.*
EpiCor’s Triple Play: Immune Armor, Antioxidant Power and Gut Health
EpiCor strengthens your body’s immune defenses in many ways. It helps reinforce your first and second lines of active defense, increases antioxidant protection and also may help support good gut health.* What other immune ingredient can do all that?
Immune Armor: First and Second lines of Defense
First Line of Defense. EpiCor strengthens a first line of active defense by helping increase secretory immunoglobin A (sIgA) in saliva.* sIgA is the primary antibody found in mucus, tears, saliva, mother’s milk and other areas.1 When pathogens get past your skin, eyes, mouth and other mucus membranes, sIgA is there to help by trapping bacteria and viruses before causing harm.1 So, what happens when the first line gets breached? That is when a second line of defense comes in.
Second Line of Defense. EpiCor strengthens a second line of active defense by helping increase natural killer (NK) cell activity.* NK cells are a type of white blood cell circulating in our blood and organs that are fast and effective in seeking out and destroying virally infected cells at the initial occurrence.1 NK cells are called “natural killer” because they don’t need to be activated by other cells to differentiate “good” cells from “bad” cells.1 This makes them much quicker to respond to keep your body healthy.
Antioxidant Power
Antioxidants circulate in your blood and tissues and help protect from cellular oxidative damage, which may affect how your immune system works over time.1 EpiCor helps strengthen your immune defenses by increasing antioxidant power in as little as two hours.*
Gut Health
Most people don’t know that approximately 70% of your immune cells are actually found your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Fewer still know how important a role beneficial bacteria play in proper immune function. Prebiotics are foods that nourish the beneficial bacteria, like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, in your GI tract. Prebiotics help the good bacteria grow and multiply so your gut stays healthy. EpiCor has been shown to act like a prebiotic in sophisticated digestive system models.*
Frequently Asked Questions
How does immune strength differ from “immune boosters”?
Immune boosters are certain ingredients that only stimulate the immune system, and do not provide balanced strength. Knowledgeable medical professionals should typically recommend consuming immune boosters for only a short timeframe so the booster will not over-stimulate your system and cause immune fatigue.
In some cases, the immune system is already over-stimulated, so further stimulation by a booster may lead to additional, unanticipated problems.
Immune strength, on the other hand, is the optimal state of immune health that allows the body to appropriately respond when challenged.
Is EpiCor safe?
Embria, manufacturer of EpiCor, takes safety seriously. Numerous safety studies have been done, including multiple human research studies confirming the safety of EpiCor. The research studies help show that EpiCor is safe for adults and children. Also, an independent panel of food safety experts concluded EpiCor meets U.S. requirements to be considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
Should EpiCor be taken year-round?
Our immune systems are constantly being challenged every day, not just during specific times of the year. Human clinical trials have shown that some benefits of EpiCor happen within hours of consumption while others strengthen with time. This makes EpiCor a great way to support daily immune health.*
What is the recommended dosage for EpiCor?
All six published human studies on EpiCor used a daily dosage of 500 mg for adults. For children, the recommended dosage is 125 mg per every 40 lbs of body weight, as calculated as a fraction of the adult dose.
Does EpiCor have any side effects?
EpiCor has been thoroughly tested for safety. These tests and studies suggest EpiCor does not have adverse side effects. However, individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before taking any dietary supplement ingredient.
Will EpiCor interfere with prescription and over-the-counter drugs?
EpiCor has been thoroughly tested for safety, including a study looking at its likely interactions with drugs. In all of the tests and studies, there has not been a case of EpiCor affecting prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs. However, individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before taking any dietary supplement ingredient.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
1References can be found at www.epicorimmune.com.
Published in WholeFoods Magazine, March 2013
