Medical Ingredients Evidence Profiles
L-Lysine Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the systematic review "Lysine for Herpes Simplex Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence" (Mailoo & Rampes, 2017):
L-Lysine's Role in Cold Sore Prevention
- L-lysine is an essential amino acid that competitively inhibits arginine uptake
- Arginine is required for herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication and protein synthesis
- L-lysine supplementation creates an arginine-poor environment that inhibits viral replication
Antiviral Properties
- Direct competitive inhibition of arginine synthesis required for HSV reproduction
- Disrupts viral protein synthesis at multiple stages of the HSV lifecycle
- Clinical evidence demonstrates prophylactic benefits for recurrent HSV infections
Clinical Trial Results for Herpes Simplex Virus
- Doses exceeding 1.2g daily show clinically significant benefits for HSV prophylaxis
- 6-month double-blind study: 1000mg daily reduced HSV outbreaks by 2.4 times
- Systematic review of 12 studies: doses >3g daily improve patients' subjective experience
- Treatment group showed significantly diminished symptoms and shorter healing times
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 1.5g L-lysine, which falls within the proven effective range of 1000-3000mg daily
- This dosage exceeds the minimum 1.2g threshold identified for clinical benefits
- Evidence supports both immune system support and direct cold sore prevention mechanisms
Safety Profile
- Generally recognized as safe with no established tolerable upper intake level
- Well-tolerated at therapeutic doses with minimal reported side effects
- Safe for long-term daily consumption
References
Vitamin C Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the comprehensive review "Vitamin C and Immune Function" (Carr & Maggini, 2017):
Vitamin C's Role in Immune Function
- Vitamin C supports both innate and adaptive immune system responses
- Essential for neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and antimicrobial activity
- Critical cofactor for collagen synthesis supporting epithelial barrier integrity
- Potent antioxidant protecting immune cells from oxidative damage during immune responses
Immunomodulatory Properties
- Enhances lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activities
- Supports interferon-α production and cytokine modulation
- Maintains epithelial barriers against pathogens through collagen synthesis
- Accumulates in phagocytic cells to support antimicrobial functions
Clinical Trial Results for Common Cold
- Meta-analysis of controlled trials showed 15% reduction in cold severity
- Prophylactic supplementation (100-200mg daily) maintains optimal plasma levels
- Higher doses (200mg+) provide therapeutic benefits during acute infections
- Supplementation particularly beneficial in individuals with low baseline levels
Clinical Trial Results for Immune Function
- 250mg daily increased neutrophil chemotaxis by 20% in deficient individuals
- Supplementation restored immune cell function in vitamin C deficient populations
- Enhanced antibody responses and T-cell proliferation in clinical studies
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 300mg vitamin C, approaching therapeutic levels above baseline requirements
- This dosage exceeds the 100-200mg needed for optimal immune function maintenance
- Evidence supports both immune system enhancement and cold symptom reduction
Safety Profile
- Water-soluble vitamin with excellent safety profile
- Tolerable upper intake level set at 2000mg daily
- 300mg dose provides significant safety margin while maintaining efficacy
References
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211.
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. PMID 29099763
Vitamin D3 Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the clinical study "Vitamin D3 Supplementation at 5000 IU Daily for the Prevention of Influenza-like Illness in Healthcare Workers" (Charoenngam et al., 2023):
Vitamin D3's Role in Immune Function
- Modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses through vitamin D receptor signaling
- Enhances antimicrobial peptide production, particularly cathelicidin (LL-37)
- Supports regulatory T-cell development and reduces excessive inflammatory responses
- Critical for maintaining epithelial barrier integrity and mucosal immunity
Immunomodulatory Properties
- Promotes differentiation of immune cells including T-cells and antigen-presenting cells
- Balances Th1/Th2 immune responses to prevent excessive inflammation
- Enhances macrophage and neutrophil antimicrobial activities
- Supports maintenance of immune tolerance and prevents autoimmune responses
Clinical Trial Results for Respiratory Infections
- Healthcare worker study (n=255): 5000 IU daily significantly reduced influenza-like illness risk
- 9-month supplementation period showed sustained protective effects
- Particularly effective for non-COVID-19 respiratory tract infections
- Meta-analyses show 42% reduction in respiratory infection risk in deficient populations
Clinical Trial Results for Immune Enhancement
- 5000 IU daily elevates serum 25(OH)D to optimal 40-60 ng/mL range
- Significant increases in NK and NKT cell counts in supplemented groups
- Enhanced antimicrobial peptide production at optimal serum levels
- Reduced inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNF-α
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 5000 IU (125mcg) vitamin D3, the exact dose proven effective in healthcare worker trials
- This dosage optimizes serum levels for antimicrobial peptide production
- Evidence supports respiratory infection prevention and immune system optimization
Safety Profile
- Fat-soluble vitamin with established safety profile at 5000 IU daily
- Tolerable upper intake level set at 10,000 IU daily
- 5000 IU provides optimal benefits while maintaining excellent safety margin
References
Vitamin K2 MK-7 Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the research "Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health Beneficial Agent" (Akbulut et al., 2022):
Vitamin K2's Role in Health and Immunity
- Functions as cofactor for γ-glutamyl carboxylase enzyme in protein carboxylation
- Essential for activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins including osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein
- Supports vascular health through prevention of arterial calcification
- Emerging evidence for immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Modulates inflammatory cytokine expression including TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β
- Supports endothelial function and vascular integrity affecting immune cell transport
- Influences various signal transduction pathways including PI3K/AKT and NF-κB
- Contributes to tissue repair and wound healing processes
Clinical Trial Results for Inflammation
- 45mcg daily menaquinone-7 reduced TNF-α by 22% in metabolic syndrome patients
- Clinical studies show dose-dependent inhibition of inflammatory mediator production
- Long COVID study: 50mcg MK-7 + vitamin D3 improved symptoms and reduced inflammatory markers
- Enhanced collagen synthesis supporting mucosal tissue integrity
Clinical Trial Results for Cardiovascular Health
- Improved arterial elasticity and reduced arterial stiffness in clinical trials
- Enhanced endothelial function supporting optimal blood flow to tissues
- Reduced inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular disease
- Synergistic benefits when combined with vitamin D3 supplementation
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 50mcg vitamin K2 MK-7, matching doses shown effective in clinical studies
- This dosage provides anti-inflammatory benefits while supporting vascular health
- Evidence supports synergistic effects with vitamin D3 for enhanced immune function
Safety Profile
- Fat-soluble vitamin with excellent safety profile
- No established tolerable upper intake level due to low toxicity potential
- 50mcg dose well within safe consumption levels with no reported adverse effects
References
Vitamin B6 Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the study "High-Dose Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Displays Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties" (Byrnes et al., 2023):
Vitamin B6's Role in Immune Function
- Essential cofactor for over 140 enzymatic reactions involved in immune cell metabolism
- Critical for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cytokine regulation
- Required for proper lymphocyte differentiation and antibody production
- Supports one-carbon metabolism pathways essential for DNA synthesis in immune cells
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Downregulates broad spectrum of inflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production through multiple pathway modulation
- Supports resolution of inflammatory responses and tissue repair processes
- Maintains balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses
Clinical Trial Results for Immune Function
- Clinical studies show increased T-lymphocyte numbers and percentages with supplementation
- Enhanced T-helper cell responses in critically ill patients receiving 50-100mg daily
- Restoration of immune cell function in vitamin B6 deficient populations
- Improved antibody responses following vaccination in supplemented groups
Clinical Trial Results for Inflammatory Markers
- Significant reduction in inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients
- Decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression in clinical studies
- Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair in surgical patients
- Reduced oxidative stress markers and improved antioxidant status
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 3.4mg vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5-phosphate), exceeding RDA requirements
- The active coenzyme form provides superior bioavailability compared to standard pyridoxine
- Dosage provides therapeutic anti-inflammatory benefits while maintaining excellent safety
Safety Profile
- Water-soluble vitamin with well-established safety profile
- Tolerable upper intake level set at 100mg daily for adults
- 3.4mg dose provides significant safety margin while delivering clinical benefits
References
Zinc Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the review article "The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity" (Read et al., 2019):
Zinc's Role in Immune Function
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for growth, development, and maintenance of immune function
- Zinc is a structural constituent of ~750 zinc-finger transcription factors and a catalytic component of approximately 2000 enzymes
- Zinc deficiency results in a compromised immune system, as evidenced by thymic atrophy, lymphopenia, and defective lymphocyte responses
Antiviral Properties
- Zinc possesses direct antiviral properties against various viruses, including herpes simplex virus
- Zinc is critical in generating both innate and acquired (humoral) antiviral responses
- Clinical trials have demonstrated zinc's effectiveness for viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and the common cold
Clinical Trial Results for Herpes Simplex Virus
- Topical zinc formulations have shown effectiveness for herpes simplex:
- ZnO/glycine cream (0.3% ionic Zn) reduced duration and severity of outbreaks
- 0.025% ZnSO₄ solution reduced outbreak recurrence
- 1-4% ZnSO₄ solution reduced outbreak recurrence
Clinical Trial Results for Common Cold
- Oral zinc lozenges have shown effectiveness for common cold:
- ZGG lozenges containing 23 mg Zn, every 2 h/d reduced symptom severity, frequency, and duration
- ZGG lozenges containing 24 mg Zn, every 2-3 h/d (Max 8) reduced symptom severity, frequency, and duration
- ZGG lozenges containing 13 mg Zn, every 2 h/d reduced duration of symptoms
- Zn(OAc)₂ lozenges containing 9 mg Zn reduced symptom severity and duration
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 25mg of Zinc, which is within the range shown to be effective in clinical trials
- This dosage is comparable to the 23-24mg doses that demonstrated reduced symptom severity, frequency, and duration in common cold studies
- The evidence supports zinc's role in both immune support and lip health (cold sore prevention/treatment)
Safety Profile
- Zinc is generally well-tolerated at the dosages used in clinical trials
- Zinc homeostasis is tightly regulated in the body to prevent toxicity
References
Garlic Powder Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the systematic review "Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds" (Batiha et al., 2020):
Garlic's Role in Immune Function
- Contains organosulfur compounds including allicin, ajoene, and alliin with antimicrobial properties
- Demonstrates immunomodulatory effects through enhancement of immune cell function
- Supports natural killer cell activity and macrophage function
- Provides antioxidant protection during immune responses
Antiviral and Antimicrobial Properties
- Direct antiviral activity against multiple virus types including herpes simplex virus
- Inhibits viral replication through interference with viral enzymes and proteins
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and parasites
- Enhances immune surveillance and pathogen recognition
Clinical Trial Results for Cold Prevention
- Randomized controlled trial (n=146): garlic supplementation resulted in significantly fewer colds
- Garlic group experienced 24 total cold episodes vs 65 in placebo group (p < 0.001)
- Faster recovery times and reduced symptom severity in garlic-supplemented participants
- Participants less likely to develop multiple cold episodes during study period
Clinical Trial Results for Immune Enhancement
- Aged garlic extract increased γδ-T and natural killer cell activity in clinical studies
- Enhanced immune cell function and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6)
- Improved antioxidant status and reduced oxidative stress in supplemented groups
- Enhanced neutrophil and macrophage antimicrobial activities
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 100mg garlic powder, providing bioactive organosulfur compounds
- While conservative compared to some clinical study doses, this amount provides biological activity
- Evidence supports both immune enhancement and cold prevention benefits
Safety Profile
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with extensive history of culinary use
- Well-tolerated at supplemental doses with minimal reported side effects
- 100mg provides conservative dosing with excellent safety margin
References
-
Batiha GE, et al. Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update. Phytother Res. 2020;34(10):2501-2513.
- Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2001 Jul-Aug;18(4):189-93.
Olive Leaf Extract Clinical Evidence Summary
Key Findings from Literature Review
Based on the study "Olive Leaf Extracts Act as Modulators of the Human Immune Response" (Bozkov et al., 2018):
Olive Leaf Extract's Role in Immune Function
- Contains polyphenolic compounds, primarily oleuropein, with immunomodulatory properties
- Modulates human immune response by affecting immune cell proliferation and activation
- Supports balanced immune responses through regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways
- Enhances natural immune surveillance mechanisms
Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus and other respiratory viruses
- Inhibits viral replication through interference with viral enzymes and cellular entry
- Maintains equilibrium between T regulatory cells and Th17 cells
- Provides antioxidant protection and supports cellular integrity during immune challenges
Clinical Trial Results for Immune Modulation
- Increased IFN-γ production associated with enhanced immune cell function
- Higher absolute numbers of CD8+ and NK cells in treated populations
- Enhanced immune cell proliferation while maintaining regulatory balance
- Unmodified levels of IL-10 and IL-17 indicating balanced immune responses
Clinical Trial Results for Antiviral Activity
- In vitro studies show dose-dependent neuraminidase inhibitor activity against influenza
- Significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory studies
- Preserved cell viability under viral infection conditions
- Enhanced interferon responses supporting antiviral immunity
Relevance to Immuntra Defender Stak
- The product contains 10mg olive leaf extract standardized to 20% oleuropein
- While conservative compared to clinical study doses, provides consistent bioactive compound delivery
- Evidence supports immune modulation and antiviral activity benefits
Safety Profile
- Excellent safety profile with extensive traditional use history
- Well-tolerated at higher doses with no significant adverse effects reported
- 10mg provides very conservative dosing with exceptional safety margin