Research Shows How AHCC(R) May Help Fight Flu And Other Infectious Agents

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 25 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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A new paper published in Nutrition Reviews (Vol. 66(9):526-531) by Dr. Barry W. Ritz, PhD, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology at Drexel University, has shown how AHCC impacts the immune response against a number of infectious agents.

The scientific review analyzed outcomes from in vivo studies evaluating the effect of AHCC supplementation on immune response following challenge with a variety of infectious agents such as the influenza (flu) virus, avian influenza (bird flu), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pnuemoniae and Candida albicans. It was reported that supplementation with AHCC modulated immunity and delivered positive results in response to acute virus and bacterial infections.

"Studies with AHCC in multiple models of infectious disease, including the viruses that cause seasonal flu and bird flu, suggest that AHCC can stimulate the immune system and help the body respond to a broad spectrum of infectious threats," says Barry Ritz, Ph.D., Professor of Bioscience and Biotechnology at Drexel University.

Research completed with AHCC has shown that it activates important immune white blood cells including macrophages, NK cells and LAK cells. AHCC also induces the production of cytokines that serve as chemical messengers between cells. AHCC has been the subject of over 80 research studies worldwide including studies completed at Harvard University's Faulkner Hospital, Yale University and Columbia University Medical Center.

In addition to these studies, further investigation is being done examining the role of AHCC in humans for its ability to impact the T cells related to cellular immunity and determining if AHCC supplementation can serve as a beneficial vaccine adjuvant for the flu shot.

What is AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)?

AHCC is derived from the hybridization of several subspecies of medicinal mushroom, cultivated in Japan and then produced from a unique manufacturing process. AHCC is the leading immune-enhancing supplement in Japan and is utilized by over 700 hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide as a standard preventative supplement for incoming patients to help reduce the risk of hospital infections as well as supporting the body's fight against the formation of abnormal cells.

AHCC is manufactured by Amino Up Chemical Company in Sapporo, Japan and is distributed in the United States by Maypro Industries. Maypro sells AHCC to a number of leading supplement companies including Quality of Life Laboratories, a subsidiary of Maypro.

The AHCC Research Association was founded in 1986 to promote further study. Each year since 1994, over 300 medical doctors and researchers have gathered in Sapporo, Japan for the AHCC Research Association Symposium to share and discuss the latest developments.

To learn more about AHCC, visit the AHCC Research Association Web site at http://www.ahccresearch.com

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

AHCC Research Association
http://www.ahccresearch.com

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