Common Questions from Practitioners

1. Q: Is immunoglobulin digested by the low pH of the stomach and/or the digestive enzymes of the gut to the degree that it no longer performs its function in the gut?

A: Research has shown that the oral administration of immunoglobulin concentrates, in many different experimental conditions, improves the health and inflammatory status of animals. Based on a summary of research studies conducted since 1980, approximately 25% of the immunoglobulin dose administered orally survives digestion and it can be recovered as active molecule in the stool. Conclusion: Sufficient immunoglobulin survives digestion to accomplish its function in the gut.

2. Q: How can humans benefit from another species source of immunoglobulin?

A: Recent research has shown that immunoglobulin concentrates from a different specie source are effective in improving the growth, health and inflammatory status of an animal. Many pro-inflammatory products exist in the lumen of all animal species including endotoxins, peptidoglycans, and others.  In addition, the body's means of neutralization of these are similar amongst human and non-human animals. Our research has determined that bovine plasma and ImmunoLin (immunoglobulin concentrate derived from bovine plasma) possesses a higher capacity to neutralize bacterial endotoxin than human plasma or purified human immunoglobulin.  
Conclusion:  ImmunoLin has the capacity to neutralize pro-inflammatory compounds in the gut that are common between human and non-human animals.
 

3.  Q: Are there clinical studies evaluating the use of ImmunoLin in humans?

A: Yes. Seven clinical studies each with different objectives involving human subjects of different ages support the safety and efficacy of the oral administration of immunoglobulin concentrates derived from bovine plasma. Three of these studies are published in high quality journals in the field of nutrition. The submission of four remaining completed studies is planned.  Ongoing research in three areas (inflammation, gut health and immunity) will continue to expand the uses of oral immunoglobulin concentrate.  

Conclusion:  Human clinical studies support the safety and efficacy of ImmunoLin.
 

4. Q: Is immunoglobulin absorbed?

A: No, the size of the immunoglobulin molecule is too large for absorption. Studies utilizing electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) has confirmed the lack of absorption after oral administration.
 

5. Q: Is there any risk of contamination with the BSE agent?

A. No.  Any potential sources of risk have been eliminated through careful management of sourcing, collection and processing. ImmunoLin is sourced from USDA-inspected, healthy, young cattle approved for food use. ImmunoLin is sourced from extensive processing and purification sourced from bovine plasma, which is an acellular material. ImmunoLin is purified using extensive centrifugation and filtration techniques that further eliminate any risk for BSE. Last, ImmunoLin has attained FDA GRAS status for approved use in foods through the self-affirmation process. Conclusion:  ImmunoLin is a safe food ingredient.
 

6. Q: Are there adverse effects associated with ImmunoLin consumption?

A. No. Reports of adverse effects have not been different when comparing ImmunoLin to control protein sources in clinical studies. ImmunoLin is a bovine plasma derived immunoglobulin concentrate for oral use only. The protein structure of human and bovine immunoglobulin are different so there is a potential for sensitivity in humans. ImmunoLin should not consumed by individuals allergic to beef products.