The Formulator's View of the Qualia Immune Ingredients

The Formulator's View of the Qualia Immune Ingredients

Neurohacker Collective developed Qualia Immune, because we think that having a smarter, fitter, higher-performing immune system is a foundational pillar of health. But how does one go about accomplishing this? There was an article in August 2020 in the Atlantic titled Immunology Is Where Intuition Goes to Die by Ed Yong. This statement resonated with us.

“The thing is, the immune system is very complicated. Arguably the most complex part of the human body outside the brain, it’s an absurdly intricate network of cells…” 

The immune system is a complex adaptive system that produces what can best be thought of as immune intelligence. This intelligence arises from the interaction of immune cells. We created Qualia Immune because we felt that our expertise in complex systems science allowed us to contribute uniquely when it came to supporting this intelligent system in behaving even more intelligently.

The development of Qualia Immune started from the research we were doing for aging and cellular senescence. One of our guiding principles, when we designed Qualia Immune, was to challenge the immune system in a way that would result in something akin to general fitness with exercise. This is part of the reason why there is such a range of ingredients from differing categories—polyphenols, mushrooms, superfood extracts, beta-glucans, probiotics, herbal immune tonics, algae extracts, trace minerals, vitamin D, and immune cell antioxidants. In a sense, we wanted to be giving the immune system the equivalent of a CrossFit workout to help train its resilience. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the reasons why we included each ingredient and how individually they contribute to overall immune intelligence.

Notable Studies

QUALIA IMMUNE combines 19 ingredients used to support a broad array of processes and immune cells to comprehensively support immune system learning, fitness, and antifragility.*

Don’t just take our word for it. These are a few publications from scientific journals highlighting our Qualia Immune ingredients.

A study (Pubmed 24239838) reported that Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) supports dendritic cells, the professional antigen presenting cells that teach other immune cells about molecules.*

A study (Pubmed 30071871) reported that Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) supports immune function during high-intensity exercise.*

A study (Pubmed 23927572) reported that Wellmune® Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan supports mucosal immunity.*

A study (Pubmed 23927572) reported that Wellmune® Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan supports general immune health during the month following participation in a marathon.*

A study (Pubmed 23378458) reported that Wellmune® Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan supports general immune health, mood, and energy levels in stressed women.*

A study (Pubmed 24804018) reported that Wellmune® Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan supports seasonal immune health.*

A study (Pubmed 26816234) reported that LJ100® Eurycoma longifolia Root Extract supports immunological vigor and a more “youthful” immune system.*

A study (Pubmed 15619563) reported that Tinofend® Tinospora cordifolia Stem Extract supports seasonal immune comfort.*

A study (Pubmed 21383915) reported that Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus Extract supports immune communication and immune cell functions.*

A study (Pubmed 24330619) reported that Cranberry Fruit Extract supports γδ T cells.*

Qualia Immune Ingredients

Wellmune® Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan

Wellmune® is an award-winning proprietary baker’s yeast beta glucan that has a unique ability to support immune health across many age and lifestyle groups. it has been used in over a dozen human clinical studies. In these studies, Wellmune has supported a healthy immune system under a variety of circumstances including after intense exercise and during periods of high stress.*

The active compound in Wellmune is beta 1,3/1,6 glucan. Beta glucan is a type of dietary fiber found in yeast, some mushrooms, algae, and grains like barley, oats and rice. But all beta glucan are not identical—beta glucan is a category made up of a diverse group of structurally similar, but not identical ingredients. Wellmune is unique in being made from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast, concentrating only beta 1,3/1,6 glucan, and having the largest number of clinical studies supporting its use.

Some molecules act very much like a “workout” for the innate (i.e., fast thinking) immune system. This is called trained immunity and is a recently recognized phenomenon in immunology. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is one of the few molecules known to support trained immunity. When challenged by Wellmune, innate immune system cells adapt by literally becoming bigger, stronger, and more active. In a real sense, the innate immune cells become fitter.* 

In addition to supporting trained immunity, Wellmune supports mucosal immunity. Mucosal immunity is the collection of immune resources that gather in places where our inner world comes into contact with the outer world. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of these areas: Scientists estimate that more than half of all immune cells—maybe as much as 70%—reside in the GI tract. An immune cell type called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a large role in mucosal immunity. Wellmune has supported healthy IgA levels in human studies.*

We included Wellmune in Qualia Immune because of its unique role in supporting trained immunity, its ability to support mucosal immune function, and because of the exceptional science behind it. We supply a dose of Wellmune that is the clinically studied amount in order to be consistent with human research.

Wellmune® is a registered trademark of Kerry Group.

Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed)

Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) is a clinically researched probiotic developed by Kirin Holdings Co, Ltd. It’s backed by strong science, having been used in nine human studies. In research studies, it is sometimes called LC-Plasma and other times referred to as heat-killed Lactococcus lactis JCM 5805. The first part (e.g. Lactococcus) is the genus. The second part (e.g. lactis) is the species. And the third part (e.g. “Plasma” or “JCM 5805”) is the strain. It is this special strain of L. lactis that supports the immune system in a unique way.

Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) is classified as a paraprobiotic and an immunobiotic. A paraprobiotic is the subcategory of probiotics that have been heat-treated. Unlike a live probiotic, which requires refrigeration, a paraprobiotic is inactivated and does not require refrigeration. Immunobiotics are the subset of probiotics that support a healthy immune system. L. lactis strain Plasma, because it is inactivated, has the advantages of not requiring refrigeration, and has an immunobiotic action that is not found in other lactic acid bacteria (whether alive or inactivated).*

The immune system is made up of many interacting white blood cells (i.e., immune cells). L. lactis strain Plasma is unique, and named, because it supports a rare immune cell type called Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). pDCs have been described as a leader of the immune system, because they notify, direct and organize many other immune cells. This leadership role has resulted in Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) supporting healthy working days, and immunity during periods of high-intensity exercise, in human studies.*

We included Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (heat killed) in Qualia Immune, because of the combination of strong science and it’s unique ability to support plasmacytoid dendritic cells. We use the clinically studied adult dose.

LJ100® Eurycoma longifolia Root Extract

Eurycoma longifolia grows in rainforests throughout Southeast Asian. It’s common name is Tongkat Ali, which refers to its use as a tonic for male virility. It’s sometimes called “Malaysian ginseng,” because, similar to ginseng, it’s regarded as an adaptogen that supports resistance to and recovery from stress of all types. The roots are used for many purposes that fit within the adaptogen category including supporting mood, overcoming fatigue, enhancing exercise, and promoting vigor with aging.* But how do these fit with immunity?

When we were researching ingredients for Qualia Immune, we had our eye out for ingredients that might support more youthful immune performance—aging of the immune system is called immunosenescence. We were also looking for ingredients that might support naïve T cells. Naïve T cells are inexperienced. They are competent immune cells (i.e., educated, tolerant), but have yet to find a match for their particular recognition skills. As we age, the repertoire of naïve T cells becomes less diverse, which in turn contributes to the aging of the immune system.

Our search led us to LJ100® Eurycoma longifolia Root Extract, which has supported naïve T cells and overall immunological vigor in a human study.* LJ100® is backed by strong science; it is the most extensively studied Eurycoma longifolia root extract and has been used in a dozen human clinical studies. We selected a dose to be in the range used in human studies.

LJ100® is the registered trademark of HP Ingredients Corp.

Tinofend® Tinospora cordifolia Stem Extract

Tinospora cordifolia is a Rasayana—the category of elixirs and tonic herbs prized by the branch of Ayurvedic medicine concerned with rejuvenation and focused on promoting a youthful state of physical and mental health. In India, it is commonly called Amrita (translates as immortality), Guduchi (that which protects the entire body), or Giloe (heavenly elixir).

T. cordifolia is considered to be a mental rejuvenator (medhya Rasayana); one of its traditional uses was a tonic to counter mental fatigue and enhance thinking. T. cordifolia was also believed to function as an adaptogen, supporting resistance to and recovery from stress. And, one of its traditional uses was as an immunomodulator, bringing balance to the immune system. 

One of the main jobs of the immune system is learning what to pay attention to and what to ignore. This ignoring function is called immune tolerance, which essentially means that the education of the immune system should teach it how to get along with molecules found in our cells, gut microbiota, food, and the environment. If immune cells don’t learn important lessons in immune tolerance, they tend to overreact to molecules that should be ignored. This is part of what’s called the Hygiene (i.e., “Old Friends”) Hypothesis.

A main reason for including T. cordifolia in Qualia Immune was because it excels in immune functions related to the Hygiene Hypothesis, supporting a more tolerant (and hence smarter) immune system. We chose Tinofend® Tinospora cordifolia Stem Extractis because this extract is backed by strong science; it has been clinically studied for supporting immune balance and exercise performance.* Tinofend® is a standardized full-spectrum stem extract, which means it is designed to maintain the balance of the various constituents found in the stem. We included a dose in the range used in human studies.

Tinofend® is a registered trademark of Verdure Sciences, Inc.

Palmitoylethanolamide

Palmitoylethanolamide is made by cells in the brain and throughout the body. While much of the recent research on palmitoylethanolamide has focused on sensory nerve health, mood support, joint comfort, and muscle recovery, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, palmitoylethanolamide was researched as a way to support immune performance and upper respiratory health.* 

A truism in immunity is that half of the job of the immune system revolves around turning off (or down) the other half. It’s this modulating or balancing role where palmitoylethanolamide shines. Palmitoylethanolamide plays a prominent role in supporting balanced function of several cell lineages—macrophages, microglia (the resident macrophages of the brain), and mast cells—within the fast thinking innate immune system.* 

The immune system has to know what to respond to (some non-self molecules) and what to ignore (self molecules, food, gut microbiota, etc.). This is called immune tolerance. A smart immune system is a tolerant immune system. Palmitoylethanolamide, figuratively speaking, coaches mast cells on being tolerant, which supports them in behaving more intelligently.*

The innate immune system invests a lot of its resources in locating non-self molecules. But this is only part of its job. It’s also involved in tissue healing processes. After we exercise intensely, as an example, immune cells help with muscle recovery and repair. No matter what causes it, macrophages—from Greek words that mean large eaters—and microglia need to be able to shift into healing and repair mode to resolve tissue stress. Palmitoylethanolamide facilitates this shift, supporting proresolving immune system functions.*

Palmitoylethanolamide supports communication across the entire immune ecosystem of cells. It supports several types of innate immune cells in waiting quietly, responding quickly, behaving well, shifting gears, and ultimately in returning to a more quiescent state after their work is done. It does this in the body and the brain. And palmitoylethanolamide supports the richness of gut microbiota (i.e., the gut-immune axis), which is known to shape the immune system.*

Body, brain, and gut immune intelligence; innate and adaptive immune communication role; and tolerance and healing: These are the reasons why palmitoylethanolamide was selected to be included in Qualia Immune. We included a dose in the range of what has been used in human studies.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Protein and Nucleotide Water Extract

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a blue-green algae. It’s considered to be a superfood because of its high concentration of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Because it is such a concentrated source of nutrients, in the late 1980s and early 90s, several space programs—including NASA—proposed it as a food that could be cultivated during long-term space missions. In the decades since, more and more research has been done on spirulina. It turns out that spirulina is a superfood for the immune system.

Spirulina supports general immune health and post-exercise immunity. It supports both immune subsystems—fast thinking innate immunity and slow thinking adaptive immunity—and many different types of immune cells. It helps in major immune functions such as mucosal immunity and immune tolerance (i.e., balanced immune performance). It supports cellular intrinsic immune defenses, which are the non-immune defenses cells use to protect themselves from external sources of stress. And it supports the richness of gut microbiota (i.e., the gut-immune axis), which is known to shape the immune system.*

Dried spirulina, typically sold as a powder or powder pressed into tablets, has been a popular supplement since the early 1990’s. A drawback with using the dried powder is that a dose of 2 grams or higher—based on human research—is needed to support immune health. We wanted to include spirulina in Qualia Immune, but a meaningful dose would have required doubling the number of capsules we recommend. Using a spirulina extract was the solution to this capsule count dilemma.

A number of the studies on spirulina did not use powder; they used water extracts. This led us to sourcing a Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Protein and Nucleotide Water Extract that’s been used in research studies. The extract has been concentrated to such a significant degree that very low amounts are needed for immune support—it takes about 45 grams of spirulina powder to produce 100 mg of the extract. 

The key point is that the spirulina extract in Qualia Immune concentrates the immune supporting compounds, creating an immune superfood, where a little goes a very long way. The supplier has a recommended adult dose of the extract, which was determined based on their immune research. We include an amount that is within their recommended dose range.

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Fruiting Body Extract

Ganoderma lucidum is the “mushroom of immortality” and called Reishi in Japanese—this is the name it’s most known as in America—and Lingzhi in Chinese. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Reishi is considered to be a shen tonic; it’s uses included replenishing Qi, easing and centering the mind, supporting resistance to fatigue, promoting well-being, and supporting sleep. Reishi is also commonly used within TCM to strengthen and balance the immune system.

Several of reishi’s traditional uses—what can be generalized to supporting sleep and enhancing resistance to stress—are known to indirectly support general immune health. But it is reishi’s role in replenishing Qi that gives the direct tie in to its role in upgrading immune system thinking. Qi is usually translated as “life force” or “vital energy.” But Qi is more than these alone; it encompasses much of what we’d consider the jobs of the immune system—Qi is the energy that keeps us healthy (Zheng Qi) and protects us (Wei Qi).

Not surprisingly, reishi has been extensively researched to understand its roles in immune system function. It supports gut microbiota, so influences the gut-immune axis—the gathering place of 50-70% of immune cells. Reishi supports the hematopoietic stem cells that give birth to immune cells. It supports functions of cells in both the fast thinking innate (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells) and slow thinking adaptive immune systems (e.g., T cells, B cells). It supports immune cell communication, education, and tolerance. And in keeping with its reputation as the mushroom of immortality, reishi supports characteristics of a more youthful immune system.*

While reishi contains a variety of compounds, it’s polysaccharides (which include beta glucan) are responsible for much of the immune support, so Qualia Immune sources an extract standardized for polysaccharides. Neurohacker Collective’s team researched a variety of mushroom extracts when formulating Qualia Immune and it wasn’t a close call—reishi was, in our opinion, the best choice by far for upgrading immune system thinking.

Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus Extract

Fucus vesiculosus is an edible brown seaweed (i.e. a marine algae) that grows in the cold waters of the North Atlantic ocean. F. vesiculosus is considered to be a superfood because of its high content of nutrients and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iodine. F. vesiculosus is also a rich source of fucoidan—much of the scientific research supporting the health benefits of F. vesiculosus have focused on fucoidan.

Fucoidans occur naturally in the cell walls of brown seaweeds, where they act as defense compounds, protecting brown seaweeds from environmental challenges. Fucoidans are a family of structurally related compounds that vary in the degrees of sulfation and acetylation—fucoidans from different species of brown algae have slightly different structures and properties. This is why we use two sources of fucoidan—Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus Extract and Maritech® Fucorich® Undaria pinnatifida Extract—in Qualia Immune.

We chose Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus Extract because it is backed by strong science; it has been used in human clinical studies for supporting immune health, stem cells, joint health, and gut health. The fucoidan found in this extract enhances hematopoietic stem cell function, the stem cells that produce immune cells. Fucoidan also supports a variety of elements within both the innate immune system, including dendritic cell function, NK cell activity and macrophage phagocytosis, and adaptive immune system, such as B cell response to new antigens and mucosal antibody production. In a comparative dose study, immune support benefits occurred at a very low dose of fucoidan.* The combination of the two seaweed extracts in Qualia Immune was selected to deliver an amount of fucoidan in this low dose range.

Maritech® is a registered trademark of Marinova Pty. Ltd. 

Maritech® Fucorich® Undaria pinnatifida Extract

Undaria pinnatifida is an edible brown seaweed (i.e. a marine algae) that grows in the Pacific ocean. It is considered to be a superfood because of its high content of nutrients and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iodine. In Japan both the leafy part (called wakame) and the part just above the root system (called mekabu) are eaten as part of the diet. Much of the scientific research supporting the health benefits of U. pinnatifida have focused on mekabu and the fucoidan content.

Fucoidans occur naturally in the cell walls of brown seaweeds, where they act as defense compounds, protecting brown seaweeds from environmental challenges. Fucoidans are a family of structurally related compounds that vary in the degrees of sulfation and acetylation—fucoidans from different species of brown algae have slightly different structures and properties. This is why we use two sources of fucoidan—Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus Extract and Maritech® Fucorich® Undaria pinnatifida Extract—in Qualia Immune.

We chose Maritech® Fucorich® Undaria pinnatifida Extract because it is made from mekabu (the sporophyll) and undergoes a proprietary extraction process resulting in an extract standardized to contain not less than 50% fucoidan. The fucoidan found in this extract enhances hematopoietic stem cell function, the stem cells that produce immune cells. Fucoidan also supports a variety of elements within both the innate immune system, including dendritic cell function, NK cell activity and macrophage phagocytosis, and adaptive immune system, such as B cell response to new antigens and mucosal antibody production. In a comparative dose study, immune support benefits occurred at a very low dose of fucoidan.* The combination of the two seaweed extracts in Qualia Immune was selected to deliver an amount of fucoidan in this low dose range.

Maritech® and Fucorich® are registered trademarks of Marinova Pty. Ltd.   

Panax ginseng Root Extract

The roots of Panax ginseng have been used for thousands of years in China, Korea, and Japan. In these traditions, it was used as a Qi tonic to promote strength, restore vitality, support energy, and to quiet the spirit. “Panax” means “all-healing” in Greek. It is aptly named, based on both its traditional uses and modern scientific research. 

P. ginseng is characterized as an adaptogen—it is used for invigorating and fortifying in times of higher stress or greater demands. It is also used for supporting the capacity for mental and physical work. P. ginseng root can also be thought of as an immune adaptogen, broadly helping the immune system in responding to challenges and supporting its ability to do work.* Qualia Immune was designed to help the immune system in being smarter and fitter—the goal is for immune cells to literally become better when challenged. P. ginseng root is a fit because, as an immune adaptogen, it helps create a smarter, fitter immune system, supporting antifragility.

P. ginseng supports both immune subsystems—fast thinking innate immunity and slow thinking adaptive immunity—and many different types of immune cells. It helps in major immune functions such as mucosal immunity and immune tolerance (i.e., balanced immune performance). It supports cellular intrinsic immune defenses, which are the non-immune defenses cells use to protect themselves from external sources of stress. And it supports the richness of gut microbiota (i.e., the gut-immune axis), which is known to shape the immune system.*

Our P. ginseng Root is made from dried roots extracted and standardized according to the European Pharmacopoeia. The established daily dose range for this type of standardized P. ginseng root extract is 40-200 mg. We selected our dosage to be consistent with this established dosage range.

Echinacea purpurea Root Extract

Echinacea purpurea’s reputation as an immune tonic dates to the Eclectics (specialists in botanicals from the late 1800’s). This reputation has endured: E. purpurea is one of the most widely used herbal immune tonics. While the roots, flowering tops, or combinations of both can be used, we consider the roots as a better choice for long-term use. In animal studies, root extracts have been fed for the equivalent of decades in human terms and support a more youthful immune system.*

E. purpurea root extracts support an overall healthy immune system, essentially acting as an immune adaptogen, but their specialty is in supporting innate immune cells in ways that are consistent with trained immunity. This means that root extracts provide a challenge for innate immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural killer cells), which adapt to become fitter and more efficient.*

The immune system has to know what to respond to (some non-self molecules) and what to ignore (self molecules, food, gut microbiota, etc.). This is called immune tolerance; it is what allows for a balanced immune system. When we researched E. purpurea, we looked for information in this area. Available studies indicate that E. purpurea root extracts are supportive of immune fitness and balance.*

The dose of Echinacea purpurea roots varies depending on the type of extract. We use a 4:1 root extract in Qualia Immune—the established daily adult dose range for this extract is 150-300 mg. Our dosage is consistent with this established dosage range.

Cranberry Fruit Extract 

Cranberries are the fruits of several related species, including Vaccinium macrocarpon (American cranberry) and V. oxycoccos (European cranberry). More than 90% of the world's cranberries are the American cranberry variety, which is what’s used in Qualia Immune. Similar to other berries, where much of the health benefits are attributed to the compounds that give color, the proanthocyanidins (often abbreviated as PACs) that contribute to the distinctive red color of cranberries are thought to be responsible for much of their health properties. Cranberry supplements are usually concentrated for these PACs, and are best known for supporting urinary tract health.*

Cranberries' role in urinary tract health is related to the immune system, specifically to a role in mucosal barrier functions (which is part of the innate immune system). Less appreciated (and in our opinion more important) roles of cranberries have to do with enhancing trained immunity—essentially supporting fitter immune cells—and making individual cells more resistant to external stressors (i.e., cellular intrinsic immune defenses).* It is this combination of reasons that led us to include a cranberry fruit extract in Qualia Immune.

Cranberries are one of the only foods that support an underappreciated lineage of T cells called γδ (pronounced gamma delta) cells, which play a role in trained immunity. γδ T cells congregate at mucosal surfaces and are at their highest abundance in the gut mucosa, where they interact with gut microbiota. γδ T cells have characteristics that place them at the border between innate and adaptive immunity, being fast acting but also having memory functions. γδ T cells can be trained. When challenged by certain compounds, cranberries as an example, γδ T cells prime the immune system, essentially making it more alert and focused, so that it can respond more intelligently when presented with new information. The key point is that γδ T cells are an important part of immune system readiness, which is why we included a cranberry fruit extract.*

Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract (95% Resveratrol)

Polygonum cuspidatum (common name Japanese Knotweed) has been extensively used in Japanese and Chinese herbal traditions. The roots are a good source of resveratrol, which has led to this plant being used to produce standardized resveratrol extracts. Resveratrol has been the subject of thousands of pre-clinical and clinical research studies. It is best known for being a calorie restriction mimetic (i.e., supports healthy aging functions), and for supporting metabolism, heart health, immunity, and cognition.*

Resveratrol is a defense compound that plants make more of when exposed to environmental stressors. It toughens them up, making them more resistant to stress. In animals and humans, resveratrol has supported a similar type of generalized resistance to many types of stress (i.e., adaptogen properties) when consumed in low amounts. These adaptogen-like properties carry over to the immune system, toughening it up. Resveratrol supports both immune subsystems (e.g., innate, adaptive), major immune jobs including mucosal immunity and immune tolerance, and most types of immune cells. It also supports the richness of gut microbiota (i.e., the gut-immune axis), which is known to shape the immune system.*

While resveratrol offers a wide range of immune support, the main reason Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract (95% Resveratrol) was included in Qualia Immune has to do with communication. Immune system intelligence is a swarm intelligence or collective wisdom that requires communication between the individual immune cells. It is these listening and talking functions that allow immune cells to collectively behave intelligently. Communication is a two-way street—white blood cells need to be able to listen and talk. Resveratrol supports both, and it is able to do this at a very low dose.*

Broccoli Sprout Powder

Broccoli sprouts are the first green shoots, emerging within several days, after a broccoli seed has been germinated (i.e., sprouted). They are often described as being a superfood, because they are high in fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Broccoli sprouts are also a superfood for the immune system, supporting both a healthy innate and adaptive immune system.*

Broccoli sprouts are known for being one of the richest sources of glucosinolates, especially glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane. Glucosinolates are plant defense compounds, which are produced to prepare broccoli seeds and sprouts to respond to environmental stress. When humans consume broccoli sprouts, it’s thought that some of this stress-resilience is conferred to us via epigenetic changes. In other words, broccoli sprouts signal our cells to adapt in ways that support our defenses against stress.*

Sulforaphane has been the most studied of the glucosinolates. It is a Nrf2 activator—Nrf2 is a master regulator of cellular defenses and plays a role in maintaining a healthy innate immune system. We included broccoli sprouts in Qualia Immune because their sulforaphane potential supports innate immune cells, as well as immune cell communication, the listening and talking functions that allow for an intelligent immune system.* We sourced sprouts that are produced to contain concentrated amounts of total glucosinolates, glucoraphanin, and sulforaphane potential.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a calming amino acid that naturally occurs in green tea. It is used as a nootropic because it supports focused attention, mental alertness, and a calm, relaxed sense of mental energy. L-theanine promotes alpha brain waves (α-waves), which are thought of as a marker of relaxation. This brain state also reduces the perception of stress.* Since higher stress acts a bit like kryptonite for the immune system, it would make sense that stress support alone would make L-theanine a good fit in an immune support formula, and it does. But could L-theanine offer more than this stress benefit?

As a nootropic, L-theanine  supports brain thinking … might it also support immune system thinking? The answer is an overwhelming yes. L-theanine supports the function of a variety of immune cells—neutrophils, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and mast cells—of the fast thinking innate immune system. It influences both immune system communication and the gut-immune axis. L-theanine has supported older immune systems in learning and remembering when challenged with new molecular information. And it has supported the restoration of natural killer cells—the sentinel cells of the fast thinking immune cells that are specialists in dealing with stressed cells—in younger persons during high-intensity resistance exercise.* 

As if these varied immune support benefits weren’t enough, L-theanine is one of the few compounds that supports γδ (gamma delta) cells. γδ T cells play an important role in priming the immune system, essentially enhancing immune alertness and focus, so that it can respond more intelligently when presented with new molecular information. Qualia Immune was created to support the immune system in thinking faster and being smarter. It was also designed to support immune fitness, the ability for immune cells and the overall immune system to become fitter when challenged. L-theanine supports all of these goals.*

N-Acetyl-L-cysteine

N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supports a healthy and balanced immune system. It influences the fast thinking innate immune system and the slower thinking adaptive immune system, supporting the function of a number of different cell types within both of these immune subsystems. NAC influences immune tolerance and communication within the immune ecosystem. It also plays a role in mucosal (i.e., barrier) immune functions and the gut-immune axis.* Why does one nutrient, an amino acid no less, play such a global role in the immune system?

NAC is best known for its role in supporting the cellular production of glutathione, a critical molecule in detoxification and antioxidant defenses—glutathione is sometimes referred to as the master antioxidant. Cells and mitochondria (aka the powerhouses of cells) use glutathione-related cellular defenses to protect themselves from external molecules; they also use glutathione to protect themselves from molecules they make as byproducts of healthy metabolism.*

White blood cells (aka immune cells) have mitochondrial networks that produce chemical energy called ATP. They rely more heavily on these mitochondrial networks when they shift gears from being quiescent to activated. This makes sense. Immune system thinking, similar to brain thinking, takes effort and is a form of work. But more work requires more energy. And when mitochondria make more energy, they are put under more metabolic stress, specifically oxidative stress. Glutathione is a central figure in the innate antioxidant defenses used to counter this oxidative stress.*

Supporting glutathione is especially important when cells have a higher demand for it. One of these situations is when the immune system is doing more thinking. Supporting glutathione is also important under circumstances when it is lower. One of these circumstances is aging. NAC supports healthier levels of glutathione in white blood cells, so helps support characteristics of a more youthful immune system.*

There are lots of reasons why NAC is a great fit for a product like Qualia Immune, which is designed to support healthier performance of the immune system. We’ve given a few already. Another one, and an important principle for how we select ingredients, has to do with being complementary. NAC is additive with L-theanine and with a compound produced from broccoli sprouts called sulforaphane, which is why you’ll find all of these ingredients in Qualia Immune.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc plays roles in a variety of functions required for health, including antioxidant defenses, brain function, metabolic function, and men’s and women’s health functions. Zinc also plays a very important role in immune function—it supports cells of both innate and adaptive immunity, and is needed for mucosal immunity, immune tolerance and immune communication.*

We included zinc in Qualia Immune to ensure against a zinc insufficiency, because even mild zinc inadequacy can impair healthy immune cell function. Taking steps to make sure zinc status is adequate is important, because several healthy habits—intense exercise, vegetarian diets, as examples—increase the risk of having inadequate zinc levels. 

We chose zinc gluconate because it is the most studied type of zinc for immune support and upper respiratory tract health. The 15 mg dose used in Qualia Immune has supported immune performance in healthy adults and is safe to take long term without having to worry about creating an imbalance in copper.*

Selenium (as Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine)

Selenium is critical for immune function (especially the slow thinking immune system), thyroid function, reproductive health, DNA synthesis, and antioxidant defenses.* Most ingested selenium is converted into selenoproteins. It’s these selenoproteins that are needed for antioxidant enzymes and the enzymes that convert one thyroid hormone to another.

The types of selenium found in foods are classified as organic selenium. These include selenomethionine, selenocysteine, and Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine. Most of the selenium found in Allium (e.g., garlic, leeks, onions) and Brassica (e.g., broccoli, cannage, cauliflower) species is as Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine.

We included the recommended daily allowance of selenium in Qualia Immune, because ensuring against inadequate selenium status is an important part of having a smart and fit immune system.* We selected the Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine form, because it (1) is one of the bioavailable forms of selenium, (2) can be converted into selenoproteins, and (3) may be the best form of selenium for helping cells counter changes caused by cellular stress and aging.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. While it is found in animal foods—fatty fish are a good source—a large amount of the body stores of vitamin D are produced from skin exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for general health, and is especially important for supporting the health of bones, the brain and nervous system, and the immune system.*

Vitamin D is an immune balancing nutrient that, in general, functions to tonify weakened areas of innate, and dampen overactive aspects of the adaptive immune system. It is also the most studied vitamin for supporting upper respiratory health. If the goal is to have a competent and tolerant immune system, one that is smart and fit, able to act quickly and intelligently, then having good body stores of vitamin D is essential.*

Since much of the body stores of vitamin D are made from sunlight exposure, and the intensity of sunlight varies seasonally, especially in more northern locations, maintaining optimal vitamin D status throughout the year can be a challenge. A combination of a diet with insufficient vitamin D—estimated to occur in 95% of adults—and inadequate sun exposure exacerbates this challenge. Because of these challenges, many adults do not have adequate vitamin D status; it is by far the most common vitamin insufficiency in adults. To ensure against inadequacy, in the United States the recommended dietary allowance for adults is currently set at 600-800 IU/day—a dose of 800 IU is considered 100% of the daily value (DV) for supplement labeling. 

We included vitamin D in Qualia Immune to guard against insufficiency and to provide the immune support and upper respiratory health benefits that only vitamin D can offer. We selected the vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) form because it is considered the superior form (as opposed to vitamin D2) for supporting healthy vitamin D levels. The dose we included is the DV amount. We selected this amount, rather than a higher amount, because in a meta analysis—a study of many other studies—the dose of vitamin D that offered the best immune and upper respiratory health support was not high doses; it was obtained at lower doses more consistent with the DV amount.*

1 Comment

  • J R Michaud
    Hi, Can someone please let me know if this product is vegan? Thanks
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