Read our product profile on Complete Immune and discover why users of this product use it time and time again! 

Product Contents

Indications: People requiring support and / or modulation of a compromised immune system

Side Effects: See individual ingredients

Warnings: Not for  pregnant  women

Contra Indications:

Recipients of foreign organs and tissues, including bone marrow transplants should not take Complete Immune because it is an immune regulating supplement. Complete Immune is also not suitable for pregnant women and children under 12 years old.

Dosage and directions for use:

Pills: 2 Pills once per day or as directed.

Interactions:

None known.

Identification:

Pills: Green, slightly speckled oval pill

Presentation:

Plastic while bottle with blue �Complete Immune� label and opaque clear lid. Originally with a �SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION� seal. The bottle contains 60 pills, sponge and desiccant.

Storage Instructions:

Store in a cool, dry place below 25 degrees Centigrade. Keep out of reach of children.

Date of Publication:

September 2005

Executive Summary

Many research institutes who have investigated the health impact of different supplements, agree that appropriate nutritional intervention positively impacts the productivity, quality and length of life of those afflicted with immune disorders and HIV.

Leveraging on the most recent research, Imbizo Technology has formulated and manufactures the Complete Immune nutritional supplement. This groundbreaking product is specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of typical HIV sufferers in Sub Saharan Africa and is designed to appropriately modulate their immune system response to HIV and opportunistic infections.

H.I.V / AIDS is always fatal and in the absence of appropriate nutritional supplementation and lifestyle intervention, approximately 5 to 10 years usually pass between a person contracting the disease and that person then dying. For the first few years a person might not exhibit any symptoms of illness, however, thereafter there are normally a number of years where the person is ill and in the case of those who�s work involves manual labor, unable to contribute to their economic wellbeing.

Nutritional supplementation significantly increases the amount of time that a person can productively live with HIV, and supplementation ought to start the moment that a person is diagnosed as being HIV positive � long before the person typically qualifies for the ART benefit from their medical aid. Supplementation with Complete Immune will support the person�s immune system, delaying the time to when they require ART�s, reducing the incidence of opportunistic infections and reducing doctor and hospital visits. This reduced requirement for the treatment of opportunistic infections will lead to cost savings for the medical aid and improved quality of life for their patients.

Product Philosophy

An approach which makes use of vitamins and minerals as well as immune modulators is far more effective then simply using a multivitamin alone. 

In the case of Complete Immune, A three tier supportive approach has been followed.

�        On the base tier, the product contains vitamins and minerals of which the target market are notoriously deficient. Without these vitamins and minerals, peoples immune systems are unable to work effectively. This base tier forms the foundation for the next two tiers.

�        Atop that foundation we have added the co factors, catalysts and antioxidants which facilitate the use of the vitamins and minerals as well as facilitate many of the critical body functions such as elimination of free radicals, generation of energy and fighting of pathogens.

�        Finally we have the immune boosters. These have been proven in many tests to be extremely effective in boosting the overall constitution and can also be used over a long period of time without diminished effectiveness or side effects.

This product can also be used in conjunction with traditional anti retroviral treatment.

Component Analysis

Vitamin A

Introduction

Vitamin A is a family of fat-soluble vitamins of which retinol is one of the most active and usable. Vitamin A is found in animal foods such as liver and eggs and in some fortified food products.

Some plant foods contain darkly colored pigments called provitamins and carotenoids that can be converted to vitamin A by the human body

Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation, which is the process by which a cell decides what it is going to become.

It helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection. Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin A�s role in the immune system

People with a shortage of Vitamin A have an impaired ability to mount an effective antibody response, decreased levels of helper T-cells, alterations in the mucosal linings of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and increased susceptibility to infections.

Vitamin A stimulates and enhances numerous immune processes, including indication of anti-tumor activity, enhancement of white blood cell function and increased antibody response.

Vitamin A appears to provide antioxidant protection for the thymus gland which is susceptible to free radical and oxidative change. Vitamin A also appears to enhance thymus gland function and increase interferon�s stimulatory action in the immune system. Interferon is a powerful immune-enhancing compound that plays a central role in protection against antioxidant activity.

Our target market will also benefit from the essential role Vitamin A plays in maintaining the epithelial and mucosal surfaces and their secretions, as this reduces the probability of them  contracting respiratory illness � the main killer of HIV infected people.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and is unique in that it is the only vitamin that contains an essential mineral, namely cobalt. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal metabolism of nerve tissue and is involved in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

It is closely related to the actions of four essential amino acids, the B-vitamin pantolhenic acid and vitamin C and also helps the function of iron in the body.

Vitamin B12 assists the placement of vitamin A into body tissue by aiding carotene absorption or vitamin A conversion and is also necessary for the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material.

Vitamin B12�s role in the body

Vitamin B12 is vital to the production of myelin, the fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers, keeping electrical impulses moving through your body. Because of the nutrient's important nerve-protecting function, a whole host of problems have been linked to low levels of vitamin B12 including memory loss, confusion, delusion, fatigue, loss of balance, decreased reflexes, impaired touch or pain perception, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. Symptoms also include demyelination of the spinal cord, brain and optic and peripheral nerves, weakness, sore tongue, constipation and postural hypotension.

Vitamin B12 is also important for the production of red blood cells and a severe deficiency, called pernicious anaemia can lower energy levels.

Vitamin B12 influences melatonin secretion. The low levels of melatonin and poor sleep patterns of the target market may be the result of low vitamin B12 status and supplementation with vitamin B12 produces good results in the treatment of sleep-wake rhythm disorders, as a result of improving melatonin secretion.

While all the above is of value to the target market, the primary reason that Vitamin B12 is in this product is because of the synergistic way in which it assists in the absorption of Vitamin A

Unlike other water-soluble nutrients, vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other body tissues. As a result, signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may not show themselves until 5-6 years of poor dietary intake or inadequate secretion of intrinsic factor.

Vitamin B3

Introduction

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is "burned" to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein.

B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes,

Niacin

Niacin plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin is effective in improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Niacin needs can be partially met by eating foods containing protein because the human body is able to convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into niacin.

Dietary deficiency of niacin tends to only occur in areas of the world where people eat corn as a staple and don't use lime in fertilization. Corn is the only grain that is low in niacin. Lime releases tryptophan which, again, can be converted to niacin in the body. Symptoms of mild deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting, and depression.

Selenium

Introduction

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that forms an important component of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. The body has developed defenses such as antioxidants to control levels of free radicals because they can damage cells and contribute to the development of some chronic diseases

As a natural antioxidant it preserves elasticity of tissue by delaying oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries throughout the world. The amount of selenium in soil, which varies by region, determines the amount of selenium in the plant foods that are grown in that soil. Given however the poor vegetable intake of much of our target market, selenium supplementation is essential.

Selenium�s role in the immune system

Low levels of selenium are linked to a higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and other conditions associated with increased free radical damage, including premature aging and cataract formation.

Selenium is helpful in fighting infections since it stimulates increased antibody response to infections. Some research has shown that in selenium-deficient animals a harmless virus can mutate into a virulent form capable of causing damage and death - this has also been followed up with other studies, which seem to indicate that selenium helps to keep the spread and multiplying of viruses in check.

Selenium deficiency is commonly associated with HIV / AIDS, and has been associated with a high risk of death from this disease. Of 24 children with HIV who were observed for five years, those with low selenium levels died at a younger age, which may indicate faster disease progression. An examination of 125 HIV positive men and women also associated selenium deficiency with mortality. Studies conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine, showed that infected patients with a Selenium deficiency were 19.9 times more likely to die of HIV related causes.

Zinc

Introduction

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell where It stimulates the activity of approximately 300 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body. Zinc is involved in carbohydrate, protein, fat, and energy metabolism and supports a healthy immune system. It is needed for wound healing, helps maintain ones sense of taste and smell and is needed for DNA synthesis.

Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods and red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains and dairy products, however there is a shortage of zinc in many people's diet, since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking.

Zinc�s role in the immune system

The immune system is adversely affected by even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency. Zinc is required for the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection and when zinc supplements are given to individuals with low zinc levels, the numbers of T-cell lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase and the ability of lymphocytes to fight infection improves.

Zinc is also required to preserve the ratio of CD4:CD8 lymphocytes which are essential in human immunodeficiency victims (HIV) infection to prevent the transition to AIDS.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Introduction

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine, which is commonly found in food and synthesized by the body.

NAC helps break down mucus. Double-blind research has found that NAC supplements improved symptoms and prevented recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. NAC may also protect lung tissue through its antioxidant activity.

NAC is a very effective chelator of heavy metals, i.e. it binds to toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead, and removes them from the body. Toxic metals can accumulate in the body over time from many sources such as drinking water and possibly even from tooth fillings made of silver-mercury amalgam. These heavy metals catalyze free-radical reactions, and in doing so continue to cause free radical damage for as long as they are present in the body.

NAC�s role in the body

NAC helps the body synthesize glutathione, an important antioxidant. In animals, the antioxidant activity of NAC protects the liver from the adverse effects of exposure to several toxic chemicals. It has also been shown to be effective at treating liver failure from hepatitis and other drug toxicity and to prevent kidney damage.

The rationale for the use of NAC in HIV treatment is based on evidence from in vitro studies that NAC assists to boost GSH levels and that cells deficient in GSH are particularly sensitive to inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)). Elevated levels of TNF are known to activate and increase replication of tumor cells and when TNF stimulates the nuclear transcription factor kB (KF-kB) in HIV-infected cells, virus transcription and replication is greatly increased. By increasing the levels of intracellular GSH, proponents of NAC therapy hope to offset TNF-mediated HIV replication.

Alpha Lipoic Acid ( ALA)

Introduction

In the late 1980s, scientists realized that alpha-lipoic acid, a compound initially classified as a vitamin when it was discovered three decades earlier, possessed potent antioxidant properties that could prevent healthy cells from getting damaged by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. In fact, this vitamin like compound has proved to be many times more potent than such old guard antioxidants as vitamins C and E. As a perk, it even recycles C and E (as well as other antioxidants), enhancing their effectiveness.

Because it dissolves in both water and fat, this so-called "universal antioxidant" is able to scavenge more wayward free-radical cells than most antioxidants, the majority of which tend to dissolve in either fat or water but not both. Alpha-lipoic acid can reach tissues composed mainly of fat, such as the nervous system, as well as those made mainly of water, such as the heart.

Alpha Lipoic Acid�s role in the body

Antioxidant: When large amounts of free alpha-lipoic acid are available (e.g., with supplementation), alpha-lipoic acid is able to function as an antioxidant. Alpha-dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) is the reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid, and is the only form that functions directly as an antioxidant. Free alpha-lipoic acid is rapidly taken up by cells and reduced to DHLA intracellularly. Because DHLA is also rapidly eliminated from cells, the extent to which its antioxidant effects can be sustained remain unclear. Although only DHLA functions directly as an antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid may have indirect antioxidant effects.

Scavenging free radicals: DHLA may prevent oxidative damage by interacting with potentially damaging reactive oxygen species  and reactive nitrogen species.

Regenerating other antioxidants: When an antioxidant like vitamin C neutralizes a free radical, it becomes oxidized itself, and is not able to neutralize other free radicals until it has been reduced or regenerated. DHLA is a potent reducing agent, and has the capacity to regenerate a number of oxidized antioxidants to their active antioxidant forms. Specifically, DHLA is capable of reducing the oxidized forms of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, which are able to regenerate oxidized vitamin E, forming an antioxidant network. DHLA can be regenerated from alpha-lipoic acid through the activity of enzymes present in cells. 

Chelation of metal ions: Certain free metal ions like iron and copper can induce oxidative damage by catalyzing reactions that generate highly reactive free radicals. Both alpha-lipoic acid and DHLA may chelate or bind metal ions in a way that prevents them from generating free radicals.

Increasing intracellular glutathione levels: Glutathione is an important water-soluble antioxidant that is synthesized from the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. The availability of cysteine inside a cell determines its rate of glutathione synthesis. DHLA has been found to increase the uptake of cysteine by cells in culture, leading to increased glutathione synthesis

Aging: Mitochondria are cellular organelles that oxidize dietary fuels (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) to a usable form of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also produced by mitochondria as a by-product of energy production. If not neutralized by antioxidants, ROS may damage mitochondria over time, causing them function less efficiently and to generate more damaging ROS in a self-perpetuating cycle. Many experts feel that this deterioration in mitochondrial function is directly related to functional declines in aging and age-related diseases. In aging rats, short-term dietary supplementation with R-alpha-lipoic acid has been found to decrease mitochondrial ROS production and improve mitochondrial function.

HIV / AIDS: In the test tube, alpha-lipoic acid prevents replication of HIV in cultured human cells. In one study, lipoic acid (150mg, 3 times daily) was given orally to 12 HIV patients. At the end of 2 weeks, all of the patients had an increase in blood glutathione levels, and 9 patients had an increase in the number of t-helper cells - a sign that their immune system was stronger.

In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with AZT, with the combination of the two showing stronger inhibition of HIV replication than either had when used alone. In vitro research done at Kumamoto University in Japan has shown that alpha-lipoic acid significantly depresses both HIV tat gene activity and HIV infectivity, and is active in both acute and chronically infected cells. Other in vitro research done in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, has shown that alpha-lipoic acid inhibits NF-kappa B activity (the on-off switch for HIV).

German in vitro research has also shown that alpha-lipoic acid inhibits the infectivity of virus particles and suppresses viral replication, and follow-up in vitro studies by the same researchers showed that it does have antiviral effects in HIV positive people, reducing viral load just as had been predicted by the in vitro research. Since inhibition is considered a promising antiviral approach and that anything non-toxic that effectively suppresses viral replication and reduces infectivity is immensely desirable, alpha lipoic acid may be a very important part of a comprehensive antiviral approach.

Beta Sitosterol (BSS)

Introduction

Sterols are fats present in all plants, including fruits and vegetables. Although they are chemically similar to the animal fat, cholesterol, they have been shown to exert significant unique biochemical effects in both animals and humans. Because they are bound to the fibers of the plant, they are difficult to absorb during the transit of digested food through the gut, particularly in individuals with impaired digestive function. For this reason, and because much of the modern diet is over-processed and low in fresh plant materials, sterols appear in the serum and tissue of healthy humans at 800-1000 times lower concentrations than that of cholesterol.

Beta-sitosterol (BSS) is the major phytosterol in higher plants along with its glycoside, beta-sitosterolin (BSSG). Animal studies have demonstrated BSS and BSSG possess anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever reducing), antineoplastic (Inhibiting or preventing the growth or development of malignant cells), and immune-modulating properties. In other animal and human studies, BSS has shown promise in normalizing T-cell function, dampening overactive antibody responses, and normalizing DHEA : cortisol ratios.

Because only low levels of BSS are typically found in humans, increased dietary intake of unprocessed fruits and vegetables or supplementation with BSS will be of benefit in re-establishing optimal immune system function.

Beta Sitosterol�s role in the body

Anti-inflammatory/Antipyretic Agent: Animal research of plant sterols given to rats demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties similar to cortisone.

A double blind study was performed on marathon runners to see if the addition of a phytosterol mixture would prevent the characteristic immune suppression and inflammatory reaction in high intensity athletes. The results of the study on 20 marathon runners demonstrated that the taking of a phytosterol mixture prior to a highly stressful physical event protected the treatment group against an excessive inflammatory response typical of anyone running a marathon. Interleukin 6 levels went up in the placebo group, indicating inflammatory reactions, but the levels went down for the treatment group.

Immune Modulation: Animal, and human studies have shown that a 100:1 BSS:BSSG mixture is capable of enhancing several aspects of the immune response. By selectively enhancing activity of T-Helper-1 (TH1) cells and leaving unchanged or dampening the effect of TH2 cells, administration results in a significant rise in interleukin 2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-g) which enhance direct natural killer (NK) cell activity. Dampening of TH2 leads to decreased levels of interleukins (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) involved in B-lymphocyte differentiation and inflammation. This combination also results in maintenance of cortisol and elevation of DHEA levels, thereby decreasing cortisol : DHEA ratios and buffering negative stress responses.

In a trial conducted under the auspices of Tygerberg hospital. University of Stellenbosch and University of the Western Cape with males suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), the results showed significantly improved weight gain, higher lymphocyte counts and higher white blood cell counts in the patients receiving sterols, in addition to an efficacious anti-tuberculosis drug regimen.

Blood Sugar Control: The hypoglycemic properties of phytosterols were shown in an animal study using normo- and hyperglycemic rats. Results demonstrated that when BSS was given orally, fasting glucose levels were lowered and fasting insulin levels increased. It is thought  that phytosterol administration increases circulating insulin levels via stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic cells.

HIV/FIV Infection: Animal and human research conducted in South Africa studied the effects of BSS:BSSG on disease progression of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The initial positive studies were performed on cats infected with FIV (a feline retrovirus essentially equivalent to HIV) and prompted subsequent research on human subjects with HIV infection. Subjects given the sterol/sterolin mixture were able to maintain stable CD4 cell counts, and disintegration of CD4 lymphocytes declined slightly, thereby slowing disease progression. These studies also demonstrated a significant decrease in IL-6 levels, possibly slowing viral replication rates in infected cells and thereby decreasing viral load.

In an article authored by Patrick Bouic and published by the Medical Control Council of South Africa in September 1997, the results of an open trial on 80 HIV patients was recorded. Sterols were given to patients over a 3 year period with clinical monitoring every 3 months. The results for CD4 lymphocyte counts remained stable over 27 months with no significant declines.  The study also demonstrated a significant decrease in Interkukin-6 levels, which led to a decrease in viral load levels. The preliminary findings suggest an important role for plant sterols in the multistage treatment of HIV.

Sutherlandia

Introduction

Sutherlandia is a perennial woody shrub, native to South Africa. Among the Khoi and the Nama people, the plant is used as a bitter tonic and a general panacea.

Sutherlandia powerfully assists the body to mobilise its own resources to cope with diverse physical and mental stresses.

Sutherlandia has been used to support mental and emotional stress, including irritability, anxiety and depression. Widows of slain Zulu warriors used Sutherlandia as a gentle tranquilliser during the mourning period.

This plant is a traditional treatment for emotional shock and stress. Agitated warriors returning from battle would drink an infusion of Sutherlandia 'to take the war out' - i.e. as a calming herb, and has been used to dispel 'darkness', alluding to its anti-depressant effect.

The tea of the dried leaves and twigs has been used for treating stomach problems and internal cancers. The virtues of the plant also extend to include relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, chicken pox, diabetes, varicose veins, piles, inflammation, liver problems, backache and rheumatism.

Chemistry and Pharmacology:

Note that this section has been added as all the other ingredients for this product are isolates, and can thus be described as such. Sutherlandia on the other hand is a herb and thus contains many important components that need to be looked at.

Highly bioactive compounds have been found in Sutherlandia. These include L-canavanine, pinitol, GABA, asparagines and a novel triterpenoid glucoside known as SU1.The published biological activities of these compounds appear to validate some of the traditional uses of the plant, and further support the use of the plant as a quality-of-life tonic in cancer and AIDS patients.

L-Canavanine: L-Canavanine is known to occur in high levels in certain seeds. What is unusual is that significant levels of this compound are found in Sutherlandia leaves. This potent non-protein amino acid is an L-arginine antagonist with documented antiviral, anti-bacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Prof. van Wyk has found an average of 2.2 mg of L-canavanine per dry gram of leaf material of Sutherlandia. L-Canavanine is a potent L-arginine antagonist that has patented anticancer and antiviral activity, including against influenza virus and retroviruses. L-Canavanine is also a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase and therefore has possible application in the treatment of septic shock and chronic inflammation.

Pinitol: Pinitol, a known anti-diabetic agent, has been isolated from Sutherlandia leaves, and quantitative work is in progress. A US Patent suggests that pinitol may have clinical application in treating the wasting in cancer and AIDS patients.

GABA: GABA was isolated from dry Sutherlandia leaves in levels up to 14 mg/g dry weight. This inhibitory neurotransmitter could account for the use of the plant for anxiety and stress, and for the improvement in mood and well-being experienced by many patients.

Sutherlandia�s role in the body

Sutherlandia is an excellent adaptogenic tonic which dramatically improves the quality of life of patients with full-blown AIDS. Clinical data are available for an AIDS patient in March 2000, when she started the treatment, and in September 2000. The plant gives a sense of well-being, energy and vitality to all users, including cancer patients. It also has direct anti-cancer and anti-viral activity.

Sutherlandia is also a potent anti-candidal plant that has been used to treat severe oral and oesophageal thrush in patients with full-blown AIDS, and also other patients with candidiasis syndrome.

It also functions as an Immune-modulatory tonic that powerfully assists the body to mobilise its own immunological and physiological resources to combat disease and physical and mental stress.

Information courtesy of Imbizo Technologies

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