Metagenics Immunogenics 60 capsules

Directions

Adults: Take 2 capsules twice daily.

Serving suggestion:

Capsules may be opened and the powder mixed into a liquid of choice.

Benefits

• Metagenics Immunogenics supports patients with an impaired immune response, assisting with immune system surveillance and modulation. Research into AHCC reveals positive effects on both innate and adaptive immunity. Specifically, AHCC has been shown to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytokine production, whilst promoting macrophage activity and increasing the number and activity of dendritic cells.^1,2,3,4 Furthermore, research also indicates benefits for the adaptive immune response pertaining to both B and T cell lymphocytes.^5,6,7,8 AHCC is well tolerated, making it suitable as an adjunct for immunosuppressed patients during and in between treatments to reduce possible side effects.
• Ginger assists with nausea, vomiting, gut barrier function, and also exerts anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.^9,10 Supporting gastrointestinal health is paramount to optimal functioning of the immune system. Ginger provides a protective action on the intestinal mucosa¹¹ and has been shown to ameliorate intestinal damage by reducing neutrophil infiltration and the pro-inflammatory response, while reducing oxidant stress and lipid peroxidation.¹² Ginger compounds are also able to elicit an anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of key inflammatory response mediators, such as Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-Lox).13 Furthermore, Ginger is able to support a healthy appetite thereby supporting energy production and reduce fatigue.^14,15
• Having been studied in hundreds of clinical trials, AHCC is used in more than 600 international hospitals and institutions for an array of medical conditions.^16,17 Immunogenics has been formulated to match the amount of AHCC used in human clinical trials. AHCC itself is a mixture of amino acids, lipids, and minerals extracted from a culture of Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), with polysaccharides being an active component. AHCC research in human populations has also shown improved immune parameters in immunocompromised people. AHCC has demonstrable safety and a history of being well tolerated since it was launched in 1989, with hundreds of thousands of users reporting no serious side effects.¹⁹

AHCC is a registered trademark of Amino Up Chemical Co. Ltd Japan.

Ingredients

Metagenics Immunogenics is free from animal products, dairy protein, lactose, eggs, gluten, wheat, nuts, yeast and soy protein.

Metagenics Immunogenics is free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

AHCC is a registered trademark of Amino Up Chemical Co. Ltd Japan.

Excipients

Hypromellose, Gellan gum, Water, Potassium acetate and Disodium edetate. Calcium hydrogen phosphate, Calcium hydroxide, Corn alfadex (fibre), Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Silicon dioxide, Sunflower lecithin and Tapioca maltodextrin.

For more information about excipients used in this product, see the full excipient list here.

Quality Information

There are two grades available from the original developer and supplier of the AHCC compound (AHCC) is a registered trademark of Amino Up Chemical Co. Ltd Japan).

The Original grade is in a lipid base at a low concentration of 45% (55% carrier excipients, 45% actual AHCC). This happens to be the most prolific form used in studies.

Metagenics R&D and procurement teams weren't happy with this original compound and actually passed on its incorporation into the Metagenics range.

The suppliers then alerted Metagenics to their Premium compound which is a 75% concentration (75% AHCC, 25% carrier).

This is the compound Metagenics chose - it results in the same dose of actual AHCC in the final product, ie: 1.35g of Metagenics AHCC equates to the quantities used in the official clinical trials.

See the below graphic for further explanation:

Metagenics uses the Premium grade to provide the correct daily dose of AHCC (1.35g) based on official clinical trials and has fewer excipients.

Some products containing AHCC commonly use the Original grade described as a 'proprietary blend' with 45% AHCC and containing more excipients. These products may recommend a dose of one capsule/tablet per day which is below the dose required based on the official studies. This results in an inferior product at a dose below the dose required for therapeutic benefits. These products can be more expensive when the correct dose is taken.

Warnings

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

Contraindications

• Allergies and sensitivities: Most allergic reactions occur after ingestion of raw or partially cooked shiitakes, or after physically handling them. Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to mushrooms or derivatives thereof.[236],[237],[238],[239] Note that this product uses shiitake mushrooms that have been processed using heat above 100 degrees Celsius, reducing the risk of reactions.
• Gallstones: Ginger can stimulate gall bladder contractions and is therefore contraindicated in patients with gallstones. It is recommended to only use after consultation with a physician if the patients has gallstones.[240],[241],[242],[243]

Moderate Level Cautions

• Gastric ulcers: Because of ginger’s effect on the gastric mucosa, it may worsen discomfort in patients with gastric ulcers.[244], [245] Use with caution, inform patients of potential effect and cease use if required.
• Immunosuppressant drugs: In vitro evidence suggests shiitake mushroom extracts may stimulate immune function, which may reduce the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.[246],[247] Use with caution and under medical supervision in patients on these medications undergoing organ transplant.

Low Level Cautions

• Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet medications: Ginger is thought to inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation,[248],[249] affecting lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase,[250],[251] particularly in doses that exceed 10 g/d.[252] Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.[253],[254],[255],[256] Shiitake mushrooms may also decrease the effectiveness of blood platelets in initiating coagulation.[257],[258],[259] Use with caution in patients taking antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications (e.g. aspirin or warfarin) and monitor international normalised ratio (INR) as well as potential adverse bleeding experiences. Consider combined supplemental and dietary ginger intake.

• Autoimmune disease: It has been suggested that this mushroom should be avoided in individuals where immune suppression is desired.[260] However, due to the emerging role of infection in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease,[261] and the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of Lentinula edodes,[262] it may in fact be useful in the management of certain cases of autoimmune disease. Practitioners are advised to use their discretion when treating patients with autoimmune conditions.

• Surgery: Due to the anticoagulant properties of ginger, there have been safety concerns in regards to the risk of increased bleeding tendency and postoperative bleeding. To minimise the risk of exacerbation of these bleeding events it is recommended to discontinue use one to two weeks prior surgery.[263],[264]

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Avoid use.
• Note: It is advised that a daily dose of 2 g/d of ginger should not be exceeded during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

• Appropriate for use.
• Note: A review did not identify any concerns for use during breast feeding, however safety has not been conclusively established in humans.

Children

• Appropriate for use.[265],[266]
• No information available for AHCC.

[*] In patients with COMT variants, AHCC may cause a reduction in Letrozole activity, possibly due to the aromatase induction activity of AHCC. Avoid this combination in patients with COMT variants

Storage

Store below 30°C

References

[236] Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby’s handbook of herbs & natural supplements. 4th ed. St Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2010. p. 393-5. 

[237] Health Canada. Monograph Mushrooms. [Internet]. Ottawa (CA): Government of Canada. 2019 Mar. [cited 2016 Sept 29]. Available from: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=mushrooms.champignons&lang=eng#rsk4. 

[238] Gardner Z, McGuffin M. Botanical safety handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press; 2013. P 509-11. 

[239] Levy AM, Kita H, Phillips SF, Schkade PA, Dyer PD, Gleich GJ, et al. Eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of shiitake mushrooms. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998 May;101(5):613-20. PMID: 9600497. 

[240] Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby’s handbook of herbs & natural supplements. 4th ed. St Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2010. p. 287-90. 

[241] Mills S, Bone K. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh (UK): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2013. p. 394-403. 

[242] Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2005. p. 420-4. 

[243] Gardner Z, McGuffin M. Botanical safety handbook. 2nd ed. Botan Raton (FL): CRC Press; 2013. p. 948-51. 

[244] Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: an evidence-based guide. 4th ed. Vol 2. Sydney (AU): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2015. p. 400-15. 

[245] Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2005. p. 420-4. 

[246] Shiitake Mushroom. In: Natural Medicines Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2019 [2015; cited 2017 May 4]. Available from: URL. Subscription required to view. Available from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=680#scientificName. 

[247] Gardner Z, McGuffin M. Botanical safety handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press; 2013. P 509-11. 

[248] Ginger. In: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2018 [updated 2018 Mar 13; cited 2018 Aug 13]. Available from: http://www.naturaldatabase.com. 

[249] Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2005. p. 420-4. 

[250] Stargrove MB, Treasure J, McKee DL. Herb, nutrient, and drug interactions. St Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2010. p. 62-8. 

[251] Wang CZ, Moss J, Yuan CS. Commonly used dietary supplements on coagulation function during surgery. Medicines. 2015;2(3):157-185. doi:10.3390/medicines2030157. 

[252] Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: an evidence-based guide. 4th ed. Vol 2. Sydney (AU): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2015. p. 400-15. 

[253] Ginger. In: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2018 [updated 2018 Mar 13; cited 2018 Aug 13]. Available from: http://www.naturaldatabase.com. 

[254] Mills S, Bone K. Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2005. p. 420-4. 

[255] Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professionals handbook of complementary and alternative medicines. 3rd ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004. p. 352-8. 

[256] Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: an evidence-based guide. 4th ed. Vol 2. Sydney (AU): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2015. p. 400-15. 

[257] Bisen PS, Baghel RK, Sanodiya BS, et al. Lentinus edodes: a macrofungus with pharmacological activities. Curr Med Chem. 2010;17(22):2419-30. Review. 

[258] Shimada S, Komamura K, Kumagai H, et al. Inhibitory activity of shiitake flavor against platelet aggregation. Biofactors. 2004;22(1-4):177-9. 

[259] Odani S, Tominaga K, Kondou S, et al. The inhibitory properties and primary structure of a novel serine proteinase inhibitor from the fruiting body of the basidiomycete, Lentinus edodes. Eur J Biochem. 1999 Jun;262(3):915-23. 

[260] Shiitake Mushroom. In: Natural Medicines Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2019 [2015; cited 2017 May 4]. Available from: URL. Subscription required to view. Available from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=680#scientificName. 

[261] Root-Bernstein R, Fairweather D. Complexities in the relationship between Infection and autoimmunity. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014 Jan;14(1):407. 

[262] Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, Esteves EA, Nieves C Jr, Spaiser SJ, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young ddults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-87. 

[263] Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: an evidence-based guide. 4th ed. Vol 2. Sydney (AU): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2015. p. 400-15. 

[264] Wang CZ, Moss J, Yuan CS. Commonly used dietary supplements on coagulation function during surgery. Medicines. 2015;2(3):157-185. doi:10.3390/medicines2030157. 

[265] Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2005. p. 420-4. 

[266] Ginger. In: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2018 [updated 2018 Mar 13; cited 2018 Aug 13]. Available from: http://www.naturaldatabase.com.

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