High metabolite immunogen that modulates immune system function*
Shown to activate natural killer (NK) cells in vitro*
Epicor® is a natural immune-supportive compound that fits into the unique category of being a high metabolite immunogen.* EpiCor® is a nutritive dried yeast fermentate that supports cellular metabolism and modulates immune function.* It is derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a non-pathogenic yeast commonly used in baking and brewing. In vitro laboratory data has shown that EpiCor® beneficially influences cellular processes that impact immune health. *
Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 capsule daily with or without food.
Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 vegetable capsule Serving per container: 60 servings Amount Per Serving %DV EpiCor® dried yeast fermentate 500 mg † -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- † Daily Value Not Established.
EpiCor® is an all-natural dietary supplement for ongoing immune system support. This novel supplement is a high metabolite immunogen, a complex blend of nutrients with a fascinating history of development. Since 1943, a company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa called Diamond V has been manufacturing a fermentation product from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the harmless yeast used in bread and beer making. Their product is an animal feed additive used to improve the digestion and overall health of farm animals. By 2004, there were indications it might also benefit human health.1
The company noticed that employees who worked in its manufacturing plant had excellent health year-round compared with employees of similarly sized companies.1 The company commissioned a study, which confirmed that workers who had ongoing contact with the product had better immune system status than unexposed workers.2 Further research resulted in the development of EpiCor®.
For even more information about this trademarked ingredient, visit www.epicorimmune.com!
High Metabolite Immunogen: Unique Nutrient Profile
EpiCor® is produced entirely from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, following the patented MetaGen4™ process.1 The culture is provided with ample oxygen for optimal growth, then at the point where it is most healthy the oxygen level is reduced. This stresses the culture and it responds adaptively, producing protective anti-stress metabolites. The yeast cells and culture liquid are then harvested, dried, and standardized into EpiCor® using rigorous bioanalysis and other quality assurance protocols.1,3
Its diverse array of beneficial metabolites sets EpiCor® apart from other Saccharomyces products.1,3 EpiCor® contains phospholipids, unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids and other natural polyphenols, phytosterols, beta-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.3 It also has excellent antioxidant activity, typically scoring 450-650 in the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay (hydrophilic).1,3
Initial Immune Benefits*
The initial Diamond V study involved laboratory analyses on blood drawn from 10 veteran workers with ongoing exposures to EpiCor® during its manufacture, and from 10 other company workers not exposed to the material.2 A summary of this study stated that the exposed workers had significantly higher levels of the protective antibody secretory IgA (sIgA), significantly higher natural killer (NK) cell activity with higher killing efficiency, significantly higher CD4 (helper) to CD8 (suppressor) lymphocyte cell ratios (linked to improved immune capacity), and higher levels of the key antioxidant glutathione in their red blood cells.2 Subsequent larger, randomized controlled trials (RCT) confirmed that EpiCor® does benefit human immunity.
After four RCT (double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials) EpiCor® (500 mg taken once daily) is confirmed to produce consistent, clinically important immune benefits.4-6,8 The first RCT using EpiCor® was conducted in the U.S. Midwest from December 2006 to March 2007; it enrolled 116 healthy subjects aged 18 to 76 years, randomly allocated to receive either Epicor® at 500 mg per day or a placebo, for 3 months.4 Those subjects taking EpiCor® experienced significantly superior immune function than did those taking placebo.
The second RCT was also conducted in the U.S. Midwest, from January to March 2007. Another 116 subjects (aged 18-76 years) were randomly allocated to receive either EpiCor® (500 mg/day) or a placebo, for 3 months.5 The EpiCor® group experienced significantly superior immune function compared to the placebo group. They also experienced significant support for maintenance of healthy blood pressure from taking EpiCor®.
The third EpiCor® RCT investigated healthy subjects aged 18 to 72 years who were recruited around Salt Lake City.6 78 subjects were randomly assigned to receive EpiCor® (500 mg/day) or a placebo, and made 3 clinic visits over the next 3 months. Lab testing revealed that the EpiCor® subjects maintained significantly higher sIgA, throughout the trial.
The fourth RCT investigated EpiCor® for promoting various immune performance measures.7 A total 26 subjects were randomized to receive either EpiCor® or placebo, for 5 weeks. The EpiCor® group developed a significantly increased hematocrit (relative amount of red cells in the blood), suggesting support for bone marrow function. The subjects taking EpiCor® also showed average increased salivary IgA over the 5 weeks of the trial, while IgA decreased in the placebo group.7
A Unique Immune Balancer*
The human studies on EpiCor® taken together with the animal and other experimental studies strongly indicate it has beneficial immune balancing effects. The healthy immune system is normally in a delicate balance between over-activation and under-activation. Epicor®’s rare capacity to both down-regulate and up-regulate specific immune pathways is consistent with its overall support for healthy immunity.
One human experimental study demonstrated that EpiCor® can upregulate beneficial immune functions at the cell level.8 Blood was drawn from healthy human volunteers aged 20-60 years, and the lymphocytes cultured. Then Epicor® was added and the cells were subjected to various experimental challenges. Those cells treated with EpiCor® developed changes consistent with increased immune vigilance.
Supports Gut Immune Function*
Secretory IgA (sIgA) antibodies are instrumental for immune function of the mouth, nose, or other orifices, and for intestinal health including healthy probiotic balance.9 In a clinical trial, subjects who received EpiCor® at 500 mg/day for 8 weeks had their saliva sIgA significantly increase.7
Epicor® also is a likely prebiotic, able to improve probiotic balance by helping “friendly” bacteria thrive in the intestine. When EpiCor® or a “placebo” (cellulose) was added to probiotic bacteria in culture, EpiCor® significantly increased the numbers of friendly Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria compared to cellulose.10
Well Established Safety
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae from which EpiCor® is manufactured is a beneficial yeast rooted in human culinary and other cultural traditions. It is unrelated to the Candida albicans yeast or to other potential disease-causing micro-organisms. Numerous safety tests have been conducted on EpiCor®, and it holds GRAS status (Generally Regarded As Safe), as self-affirmed by an expert panel that included eminent toxicologists.1 Toxicology, mutagenicity, mitogenicity, and human safety studies showed no indication of any toxic effects from EpiCor®.1,3
Suitable Both for Adults and Children
In a human study one 500 mg dose of EpiCor® significantly increased antioxidant activity in the blood after just two hours.11 For consistent immune support EpiCor® is best taken year-round at 500 mg per day. Its GRAS status allows its use for children, at daily doses of 125-500 mg per day depending on their weight.14 EpiCor® is also suitable for vegetarians.
The considerable clinical, animal, and other scientific data on EpiCor® confirm that this high-metabolite immunogen offers safe and effective, long term support for healthy immune balance and overall wellbeing.
How does EpiCor differ from other immune products?
A1.
EpiCor is not a single chemical as are many immune support products on the market, but a complex product composed of beneficial metabolites together with vitamins, minerals amino acids and antioxidants working together to support immune health. Doctor’s Best is not aware of another product on the market containing the diversity of immune-supporting compounds found in EpiCor. In addition, as an antioxidant, EpiCor further supports immune health by scavenging free radicals.
Q2.
Should EpiCor be taken year-round?
A2.
EpiCor is not a drug to cure disease, but a supplement intended for healthy people to support their immune systems. EpiCor seems particularly able to support and balance the immune system, hence it is best taken year-round for maximum benefit.
Q3.
Can EpiCor be taken with prescription and over-the-counter drugs?
A3.
Safety studies conducted on EpiCor suggest that it is unlikely for EpiCor to interact with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. However, as with any dietary supplement, consultation with a physician is recommended before beginning any supplement program.
Q4.
Can EpiCor be taken by those suffering from an autoimmune disorder such as celiac disease?
A4.
EpiCor has only been tested with people possessing healthy immune systems. While we have no reason to believe that EpiCor would be harmful to those with an autoimmune disorder, consultation with a nutritionally-aware health care provider is recommended prior to taking any supplement.
Q5.
Can EpiCor cause or worsen a yeast infection?
A5.
There is no similarity between Saccharomyces cerevisiae, found abundantly in the food supply and Candida albicans, which is an opportunistic yeast that proliferates in individuals with compromised immune systems. Also, EpiCor is pasteurized to reduce harmful microorganisms.
Q6.
What is modified cellulose and is it safe?
A6.
The cellulose is derived from alpha cellulose from softwood pulp. This softwood pulp may be derived from hemlock, spruce or other soft woods. It is made by cooking raw plant fiber in an aqueous solution to separate the cellulose, and then purified. It then goes through extra processing to further break down the fiber. The finished product contains no residual solvents. Excipients are needed to make the materials flow into the capsule and are extremely minute in amounts and are safe.
Q7.
I am somewhat confused on how to take the DRB products. On many of the labels the Suggested Adult Use will list something along the lines of: Take 2 capsules daily, but it does not state whether they should be taken together or separately. What is the correct usage?
A7.
Unless otherwise specified on the label, the product may be taken together or separately.
Q8.
Is there a limit to how many vitamins can be taken safely in one day?
A8.
While our bodies need vitamins and minerals, like other things, if taken in large amounts they may adversely affect health. Large amounts of anything can be toxic. It is important to follow all label directions and discuss any concerns with your physician.
Q9.
What are the other ingredients and why are they used?
A9.
These are used as flow agents and aid in the production to keep the machinery running smoothly and the capsules filling correctly. Similarly for the croscarmellose sodium, which is cellulose (sourced from the cell walls of green plants), and is used to help disintegrate the tablet in the stomach.
Q10.
What is Silicon Dioxide and how is it produced?
A10.
Silicon dioxide is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, and it is found across the world in various forms. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) in its pure form is colorless to white. Precipitated synthetic amorphous silicas are obtained from a process essentially using sand.
Precipitated silica is a safe (non-crystalline) mineral. According to the relevant United States and European Union standards, precipitated silica is non-hazardous with regard to manufacture, transportation and handling. Precipitated silica is an inert powder and a certified food and feed additive.
Q11.
Should I be concerned when I see that Silicon Dioxide has been used as an excipient in DRB products?
A11.
According to numerous studies reviewed to date on this long-term Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) listed food additive, the following was found:
The oral toxicity in mice is greater than (>) 5 grams/kilogram of body weight (Kimmerle 1968), or greater than 350 grams in one dose in humans based on allometric comparisons between mice and humans.
A single dose of 2.5 grams of amorphous polymeric silicon dioxide to human volunteers did not significantly raise the SiO2 excretion in the urine thus suggesting poor absorption of the compound (silicon dioxide)--(Langendorf 1966). Less than one one-hundredth (1000th) of the dose was found in urine, suggesting extremely poor absorption--(Langendorf 1966).
This would suggest that there is no scientific reason to eliminate silicon dioxide as an excipient at the very low levels found in dietary supplements.
For further information re: Silicon dioxide, see "Minerals, Trace Elements and Human Health, 4th Edition."
Q12.
Why is silicon dioxide used as an excipient in DRB products?
A12.
Silicon Dioxide is commonly used as a flow agent in supplements. It also works as an anti-caking agent, and is added as an ingredient in foods, many multivitamins and mineral supplements because silicon is necessary for good health and is a necessary nutrient for the health of skin, hair, nails and bones.
Q13.
It seems that information is now out claiming that magnesium stearate is a form of, or implicated in, trans fat, which everyone now regards as being bad. Why does Doctor’s Best use magnesium stearate in its products?
A13.
Magnesium Stearate is used to work as a lubricant in the formula. Magnesium Stearate is a salt of stearic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. A trans fatty acid (commonly shortened to trans fat) is an unsaturated fatty acid molecule. Stearic acid, being a saturated fatty acid, is not a trans fat. The magnesium stearate used in Doctor’s Best products is vegetable sourced from palm oil.
Q14.
What is cellulose and modified cellulose produced from?
A14.
Southern pine and spruce.
Q15.
Since Doctor's Best does not manufacture its supplements, how are the purity and integrity of supplements verified? In addition, how are your prices lower than other brands? Does this mean that quality is being compromised?
A15.
Doctor's Best supplements are manufactured in the US at cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) certified facilities. All of our manufacturers and suppliers go through our vendor qualification program, which includes inspections and testing, before we agree to work with them. Our finished products have also been tested at the raw material level, in process, and as a finished product to ensure safety and quality. We place the highest importance on safety and quality and do not compromise for the sake of a better price point. The price points are lower because of production size and the overall business structure. We also place great importance on making our supplements available and affordable to those who need them most.
Q16.
What is HPLC?
A16.
HPLC stands for "High Performance Liquid Chromatography." This is an analytical lab testing method that is used to quantify the active ingredients. It is considered to be a very sensitive and accurate test. HPLC testing is a tool recognized as a quality benchmark for herbal extracts.
Q17.
Does cellulose interfere with the absorption of supplements?
A17.
Dietary fiber in general is known to change intestinal viscosity, nutrient absorption, transit time, and gut hormones. Although there is some evidence from animal studies that large amounts of cellulose in the diet (6-12% of diet) can interfere with nutrient absorption (particularly minerals), there is no evidence that the small amount in capsules interfere with nutrient absorption, as there are many pharmacokinetic studies that have been conducted with nutrients in cellulose capsules, demonstrating the ability of the nutrients to be effectively absorbed.
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