Inner Armor – Your Best Defense

Scientific Studies

Yeast Beta Glucans

Beta glucans are sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and plants. Because beta glucans are seen as foreign objects within the body, it can trigger the immune response. Both in vitro and in vivo studies in animals and humans have immune modulating properties [1]. Most notably, beta glucans can increase leukocyte activity and lymphocytes proliferation [2]. 

Leukocytes and lymphocytes are important parts of the immune system. They are white blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. Lymphocytes defend the body against foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells.

Beta glucans are readily recognized by the innate immune system, which makes it easy for the host’s defense response. Human cells, including neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells, all have receptors that can easily detect the presence of beta glucans, and result in intracellular signaling that stimulates the immune response [3].

Human clinical studies also show positive results. In one study where 250mg of a beta glucan supplement was provided to participants, there was a significant reduction in symptoms of upper respiratory infections in women [4].

Beta glucan supplementations also appears to improve symptoms and duration of the common cold [5,6]. In one study, it was found that participants given beta glucans had a decreased risk of getting a cold, and had less severe cold symptoms compared to placebo [5]. Another study shows that beta glucans resulted in 25% reduction in cold infections, 15% less symptoms, and had were more easily able to sleep during their cold infection [6].

References: 

1. Volman JJ et al. Dietary modulation of immune function by beta-glucans. Physiology & Behavior. 2008;94(2):276-284.
2. Sonck E, et al. The effect of beta glucans on porcine leukocytes. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. 2010; 135(3-4):199-207.
3. Goodridge HS, et al. Beta glucan recognition by the innate immune system. Immunological Reviews. 2009;230(1):38-50.
4. Talbott SM, et al. Baker’s yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women. J Am Coll Nutr. 2012;31(4):295-300.
5. Graugaum HJ et al. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional study using an insoluble yeast beta-glucan to improve the immune defense system. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2012;3:738-746.
6. Auinger A et al. Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body’s defence against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52(8):1913-8.

Elderberry

Elderberries have been traditionally used as medicine for many years, including to treat cancer and other disorders. The fruit of the elderberry contain polyphenols and anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants and fight free radicals. Anthocyanins can have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits.

The polyphenols in elderberry may have antioxidant properties, and may counteract oxidative stress. As a result, one paper suggests that elderberry’s polyphenols may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycaemia reduction, stimulating the immune system, and may prevent the formation of tumours [1].

Sambucol, a product that is based on an elderberry extract, has also been studied to show elderberry’s antiviral properties. In this study, Sambucol was very effective against 10 different strains of influenza and was also able to reduce the duration of fly symptoms by 3-4 days [2]. This study also showed that Sambucol was able to activate the immune system by increasing cytokine production [2].

Cytokines are small proteins that are involved in signaling between cells, and are produced by immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. Cytokines are also involved in controlling inflammation, as well as regulating the immune response [3].

Elderberry juice has also been shown to be an anti-viral by suppressing viral replication of human influenza A virus in vivo [4]. Similarly, another study showed that an elderberry extract was able to bind to the H1N1 virus, thus blocking its ability to infect host cells [5]. Finally, another study showed that patients with flu symptoms for 48 hours or less that were given elderberry syrup had relief from their symptoms 4 days earlier than placebo [6].

References:

1. Sidor A, et al. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:941-958.
2. Barak V, et al. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. European Cytokine Network. 2001.
3. Opal SM et al. Anti-inflammatory cytokines. CHEST. 2000;117(4):1162-1172.
4. Kinoshita E, et al. Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. J-Stage. 2012;76(9):1633.
5. Roscheck B, et al. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009;70(10):1255-1261.
6. Zakay-Rones Z et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of Influenza A and B virus infections. Journal of International Medical Research. 2004;32:132-140.

Probiotics

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a type of bacteria that is considered “beneficial”. Bacillus coagulans is considered beneficial because it has positive effects on digestion, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, and for arthritis. 

There is growing evidence that probiotics are able to enhance the immune system. For example, in one study, individuals were exposed to adenovirus and influenza. Those that supplemented with Bacillus coagulans showed a significant increase in T-cell production [1].

Probiotics, such as Bacillus coagulans, can also aid the host in increasing absorption of nutrients and training the immune system to not attack itself, while non-beneficial bacterial can result in low absorption and sometimes disease [2]. For example, Bacillus coagulans contain metabolites that support the differentiation and maturation of antigen-presenting cells like macrophages and dendritic cells [3]. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digest foreign substance, microbes, and even cancer cells. Dendritic cells process antigen material to present on the surface of T cells – essentially, they act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune systems. In layman’s terms, this means that the metabolites of Bacillus coagulans are involved in immune regulation, in that if helps to decide whether T cells are triggered into action or not. 

A specific component of Bacillus coagulans has also been shown to reduce inflammation and also display immunomodulatory effects [4]. This immunomodulatory effects was also shown when supplemented to immune compromised elderly subjects. Results showed a significant improvement in Natural Killer cell activity over placebo [5]. Natural Killer cells are an important part of the immune system. They are a type of lymphocyte that are able to attach to tumour cells or cells that are infected with viruses, and essentially kill them by inserting compounds containing perforin, which destroys cells by creating lesions in their cell membrane.

References: 

1. Baron M. Original research: a patented strain of Bacillus coagulans increased immune response to viral challenge. Postgraduate Medicine. 2009;121(2):114-118.
2. Nell S, et al. The impact of the microbiota on the pathogenesis of IBD: lessons from mouse infection models. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2010;8:564-577.
3. Benson K, et al. Probiotic metabolites from Bacillus coagulans GanedanBC30 support maturation of antigen-presenting cells in vitro. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(16):1875-1883.
4. Sudha R, et al. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Bacillus coagulans unique IS2. International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics. 2015;10(1):31-36.
5. Upadhyaya S, et al. Enhancement of natural killer cell activity in immuno-compromised elderly subjects by Bacillus coagulans. International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics. 2011;6(3/4).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and contributes to immune defense by supporting both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin C is able to support the functioning of the epithelial barrier, making it impermeable to pathogens [1]. Vitamin C is also important for the skin by promoting oxidant scavenging activity [2], which can help protect against environmental stressors such as UV radiation.

Deficiencies in Vitamin C is associated with many ailments. For example, in cancer patients, a deficiency in Vitamin C is seen [3]. Sickle cell anemia is also associated with Vitamin C deficiency [4]. Wound healing is also dependent on sufficient levels of Vitamin C. In one study, it was shown that adequate Vitamin C intake was required for normal wound healing and also for the maintenance of the scar tissue after healing [5]. One of the most classic cases of Vitamin C deficiency is scurvy. Scurvy is associated with weakness, reduced appetite, anemia, skin hemorrhages, and bruising, and is a direct result of Vitamin C deficiency. 

Vitamin C has also been shown to have direct benefits when supplemented. Studies show that Vitamin C supplementation can reduce the infection rate and duration of upper-respiratory tract infections in ultramarathon runners [6]. Vitamin C supplementation also results in reduced stress hormones and an anti-inflammatory response in runners [7]. This is important as stress hormones, such as cortisol, have been shown to suppress the immune response in animals [8].

References:

1. Schoultz I et al. Indomethacin-induced translocation of bacteria across enteric epithelia is reactive oxygen species-dependent and reduced by Vitamin C. American Journal of Physiology. 2012.
2. Darr D et al. Topical vitamin C protects porcine skin from ultraviolet radiation-induced damage. British Journal of Dermatology. 1992.
3. Bennett MI et al. Vitamin C deficiency in cancer patients. Palliative Medicine. 2005;19(1).
4. Chiu D et al. Vitamin C deficiency in patients with sickle cell anemia. The American Journal of Pediatric Hematologu/oncology. 1989;12(3):262-267.
5. Pirani CL et al. Effect of Vitamin C deficiency on healed wounds. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1953;82(1).
6. Peters EM et al. Vitamin C supplementation reduces the incidence of postrace symptoms of upper-respiratory-tract infection in ultramarathon runners. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1993;57(2):170-174.
7. Peters EM et al. Vitamin C supplementation attenuates the increase in circulating cortisol, adrenaline, and anti-inflammatory polypeptides following ultramarathon running. Int J Sports Med. 2001;22(7):537-543.
8. Westly HJ et al. Physiological concentrations of cortisol suppress cell-mediated immune events in the domestic pig. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1984. 

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for overall health. Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, there are 2 main types of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the natural form of Vitamin D and is also known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is typically obtained from plant sources, whereas Vitamin D3 is obtained from animal sources, but is also produced in the body. There are differences in the way that the body absorbs these 2 types of Vitamin D. In general. Vitamin D3 is better absorbed than D2, making Vitamin D3 the preferred source. 

Vitamin D is important to maintain normal levels of calcium, which are important for strong bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin D is primarily involved in maintaining calcium homeostasis, as it stimulates calcium absorption through the intestine [1]. Without a healthy level of Vitamin D, calcium absorption is affected.

Calcium is very important for bone health and strength. Studies show that adequate intakes of dietary calcium can lead to greater bone mass through adolescence and into adulthood [2]. Similarly, inadequate calcium intakes early in life may lead to low bone mass [2]. As Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption, it makes sense that Vitamin D will affect bone strength. Studies show that long-term calcium restriction or insufficient levels of Vitamin D may lead to fragile bones, as well as other ailments, such as high blood pressure, colon cancer and breast cancer [3].  Six-month supplementation of Vitamin D3 in elderly individuals also resulted in increasing lower limb muscle strength, presumably by increasing bone strength [4]. Evidence also supports calcium in combination with Vitamin D supplementation as a preventative treatment of osteoporosis in people over 50 years of age [5].

Vitamin D also plays an important role in the immune system. Key immune system cells, such as B cells and T cells, have Vitamin D receptors [6]. Through several mechanisms, Vitamin D decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines, and increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines [10]. Vitamin D also plays a role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Many studies have shown a link between inadequate levels of Vitamin D and a higher susceptibility to chronic infections and autoimmune diseases [7,9]. The hormonal form of Vitamin D also upregulates antimicrobial peptides that can help to clear out bacteria [8]. 

References:

1. Christakos S et al. Vitamin D and intestinal calcium absorption. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2011;347(1-2):25-29.
2. Anderson J. Calcium, phosphorus and human bone development. The Journal of Nutrition. 1996;126(4):1153S-1158S.
3. Barger-Lux MJ et al. The role of calcium intake in preventing bone fragility, hypertension, and certain cancers. The Journal of Nutrition. 1994;124(8):1406S-1411S.
4. Pfrimer M et al. Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency increases lower limb muscle strength in institutionalized older people independently of regular physical activity: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2009;54:291-300.
5. Tang B et al. Use of calcium or calcium in combination with Vitamin D supplementation to prevent fractures and bone loss in people aged 50 years and older: a meta analysis. The Lancet.2007;370(9588):657-666.
6. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. EB Symposium Manuscripts. 2011.
7. Baeke F et al. Vitamin D: modulator of the immune system. Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 2010;10(4):482-496.
8. Kamen DL et al. Vitamin D and molecular actions on the immune system: modulation of innate and autoimmunity. Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2010;88:441-450.
9. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881-886.
10. Gregori S et al. Regulatory T cells induced by 1 alpha, 25-dihydoxyvitamin D3 and mycophenolate mofetil treatment mediate transplantation tolerance. J Immunol. 2001;167(4):1945-53.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is important to the body. Among its benefits, zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth. 

Zinc is critical for maintaining a healthy immune system. Zinc is required for the human body to activate T lymphocytes (T cells) [1]. T cells are a type of white blood cell that is an essential part of the immune system. T cells control and regulate immune responses, as well as attack infected or cancerous cells. Studies have shown that zinc deficiency can have negative effects on the immune system, such as making individuals more susceptible to a variety of pathogens [2].

There is some evidence to suggest the zinc can have positive effects on the common cold. In a controlled study, it was shown that the use of zinc lozenges can reduce the duration of the common cold [3]. Zinc also plays a role in wound healing, and is often used in ointments for skin irritations of diaper rash. Zinc is able to accelerate wound healing by increasing re-epithelialization, as well as decreasing inflammation and bacterial growth [4].

Zinc deficiency is associated with growth retardation, anemia, and impaired visual and immunological function [5]. Since zinc is essential for growth and development, the high rate of proliferation and differentiation of immune cells requires a sufficient supply of zinc. One of the mechanisms by which zinc works is via its role as a signaling ion in the immune system. For example, zinc ions promote activation of lymphocytes [6]. Zinc also plays a role in regulating inflammatory signaling [7]. In vitro zinc supplementation has also been shown to trigger the recruitment of leukocytes to the infection site [8]. Zinc is also involved in the proliferation of B cells and T cells [9]. Finally, zinc also regulates cytokines [10], which are peptides that are responsible for communication between the immune system and host tissue cells. 

References:

1. Kaltenberg J, et al. Zinc signals promote IL-2-dependent proliferation of T cells. Eur J Immunol. 2010;40(5):1496-503.
2. Shankar AH, et al. Zinc and immune system: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection. Am J Clin Nutr.1998;68(2 Suppl):447S-463S.
3. Hemila H. Zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of colds: a systematic review. Open Respir Med J. 2011;5:51-58.
4. Pories WJ, et al. Acceleration of healing with zinc sulfate. Ann Surg. 1967;165(3):432-436.
5. Ibs KH, et al. Zinc-altered immune function. J Nutr. 2003;133:1452S-1456S.
6. Huse M, et al. A ZN2+ ion links the cytoplasmic tail of CD4 and the N-terminal region of Lck. J Biol Chem. 1998;273:18729=18733.
7. Haase H, et al. Zinc signals are essential for lipopolysaccharide-induced signal transduction in monocytes. J Immunol. 2008;181:6491-6502.
8. Hujanen ES, et al. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis induced by zinc, copper and nickel in vitro. Biochem Biophys Acta. 1995;1245:145-152.
9. Flynn A. Control of in vitro lymphocyte proliferation by cooper, magnesium and zinc deficiency. J Nutr. 1984;114:2034-2042.
10. Wellinghausen N, et al. The immunobiology of zinc. Immunol Today. 1997;18:519-521.