Doctor's Best Epicor, Immune Health Defense, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, 500 Mg, 60 VC (DRB-00177)

High Metabolite Immunogen: Unique Nutrient Profile EpiCor is produced entirely from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, following the patented MetaGen4 process.1The 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 qa 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.3It 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.

Multiple Randomized Controlled Trials Confirm EpiCor’s Benefits 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.5The 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 Lactobacilliand 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.11 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.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Scientific References - for more information please go to Doctor's Best website 1 through 11.