Vitals AHCC® consists of a complex of nutrients with a unique composition. The product is made from an extract of the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). The specially developed production process of AHCC® ensures that this dietary supplement has unique qualities.
Quality
AHCC® has been produced in Japan since 1989 by the renowned company Amino Up Co. through a fermentation process that has been refined over the years. By starting from the same starting culture for every production, a consistent composition and high quality of the end product can be guaranteed. The patented production process ensures a high level of alpha-glucans; polysaccharides that occur naturally in small amounts in shiitake. The fermentation process takes about forty days. The shiitake is grown in a specially developed liquid culture medium based on rice bran. During the fermentation process, the shiitake mushrooms convert components of the medium into other nutrients. This creates the unique composition of AHCC®, which is not comparable to simply dried shiitake powder. After 40 days, the insoluble cell components are separated by centrifugation, leaving a liquid ('supernatant') rich in alpha-glucans and other nutrients. After freeze-drying, AHCC® powder is finally made from this, which can be processed into capsules. By not using heating anywhere in the production process, the vulnerable natural components are preserved in the extract.
Producer
Amino Up, like Vitals, has a great passion for quality and invests heavily in the scientific substantiation of the quality of their products. In addition, their production processes and quality system meet the highest requirements. This is necessary because mushrooms are very sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and other micro-organisms. Mushrooms for use in a food supplement can therefore thrive best under strictly controlled conditions and only then ensure an end product of the highest quality with a consistent composition. In Japan, Amino Up has been working with leading scientists for many years. AHCC® is therefore a widely used dietary supplement there, in contrast to Europe where it is not (yet) well known. AHCC® is a precious and well-kept secret from the East!
Clinical studies show that AHCC has a positive impact on the immune system, including increasing natural 'killer' (NK) cell activity, IL-12 (interleukin 12) and NO ( nitric oxide) production.
AHCC also works well when swallowed and, as a powerful anti-oxidant, has a positive effect on the liver as well.
benefits
• Rich in alpha-glucans: an important class of immune modulators
• >20 documented studies on the immune system
• AHCC: Active Hexose Correlated Compound (active hexose correlated compounds)
• promotes rapid immune response
background reading
AHCC: the immune system is the body's primary means of defense against pathogens and invaders. When functioning optimally, it eliminates bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancerous cells. But, when compromised it cannot defend the body against these pathogens and is unable to prevent the growth and spread of abnormal cells. The active ingredients of AHCC include acetylated alpha and beta glucans and GI Saccahrides of low molecular weight (5 kDaltons) for optimal bioavailability and have been found in numerous clinical studies to strengthen and optimize the capacity of the immune system.
AHCC stimulates an increased production of immune cells, improving the body’s ability to deal with infection. AHCC’s immunomodulatory effects are beneficial in disorders involving inflammation, such as arthritis. AHCC has been shown to protect the liver and improve its function. As an adaptogen, AHCC helps the body deal with stress. It has also been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics.Protects the body from itself
AHCC helps boost immunosurveillance, the body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells before they develop into cancerous growths. AHCC also benefits those who already have cancer, since it preserves immunity at a time when the body is at its weakest. Clinical trials have demonstrated AHCC’s remarkable abilities to promote a strong immune system.
When it comes to health, we all understand the importance of our immune system. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an oligosaccharide extracted from mushrooms grown in rice bran. It was developed in Japan in 1989 and it has since been used to improve the immunity of over 100 000 patients. AHCC has shown promise for severe immunodeficiencies, for hypertension, to reduce inflammation, to improve the body’s response to stress, in infections, for diabetics and for hepatitis.
AHCC and the immune system
AHCC is remarkable because it has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Oral supplementation with AHCC increases the production by immune cells of at least two protein messengers. These proteins promote the production of macrophages, T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and improve their ability to destroy abnormal cells. Immune cells are important for health in general but are specifically involved with the control of infection and cancer.
AHCC and abnormal cells
Global cancer rates keep rising but most cancers are preventable. Cancer is a disease of the immune system. It is up to our immune system to recognize and destroy abnormal cells. Immunosurveillance (the ability of the immune system to detect and destroy atypical cells before they become harmful) is the pillar of cancer prevention. Indeed, individuals born with immunodeficiencies are 200 times more likely to develop cancer. Hence the great promise of immunotherapies - therapies aimed at enhancing the immune system instead of trying to kill abnormal cells. AHCC was shown effective in several research projects. In one study, AHCC and better nutrition led to a 22% tumor reduction, and 39% tumor stabilization.
The combination of AHCC and genistein concentrated polysaccharide (another natural anti-tumor substance) induced apoptosis (the self destruction of unwanted cells). Similarly, supplementation of AHCC with an antioxidant extracted from buckwheat, led to the reduction of skin cancer tumors in test rats. In another study, 6 months of treatment with AHCC (6g/day) led to a partial response in 49.7% of cancer patients and a complete response in 8.8%.
AHCC in combination with chemotherapy
Studies using AHCC clearly demonstrated that AHCC safely increases the efficacy of conventional treatments while reducing the frequency of side effects. Patients taking AHCC with chemo or radiation saw their tumors shrink and their tumor markers decrease more than patients receiving conventional treatments alone. Furthermore, a weakened immune system is one of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy. AHCC helps to preserve immunity at a time when it is crucial to prevent the spread and growth of abnormal cells. It also reduces the toxicity and the side effects associated with chemotherapy. It alleviates hair loss and bone marrow suppression and prevents the elevation of liver enzymes. Patients taking AHCC reported less nausea and vomiting and AHCC improved their body weight and appetite. Unfortunately, at present, there are very few proven strategies to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence among survivors. Because of its effect on NK cells, AHCC supplementation may prove useful for those trying to improve their immune function in order to reduce their risk of recurrence.
AHCC and immunodeficiency
We have all heard of AIDS. The infection caused by the HIV virus leads to a deficient immune response because the virus slowly incapacitates the immune system. Researchers showed that HIV levels could remain suppressed without drugs if the immune system is functioning adequately. Through its influence on the immune system, AHCC may help preserve immunity in those whose defense system is slowly being infiltrated by viruses. Preliminary trials have given encouraging results.
AHCC and infection
Infections are caused by the invasion and the multiplication of microorganisms in the body. We carry 500 to 1000 different species of bacteria throughout our body. Adequate immunity is therefore crucial in preventing infection. Several experiments confirmed AHCC’s competence for the control of infections.
AHCC and the liver
The liver is responsible for over 500 vital functions and can be injured in a multitude of ways. The liver breaks down harmful substances and excretes them in the blood or bile. An excess of toxins can damage the liver. Trials have demonstrated that AHCC protects the liver and improves hepatic function. AHCC was also shown effective for patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
AHCC and inflammation
Inflammatory conditions are becoming more and more problematic. Arthritis has become the leading cause of disability among adults age 65 and older. It was reported that patients taking AHCC to prevent the recurrence of abnormal growths had significant improvements in rheumatoid arthritis. AHCC was also effective at diminishing inflammation in animal studies. It is thought that AHCC reduces inflammation by modulating the immune system and by improving fat metabolism.
Why AHCC?
We are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses and other pathological organisms. Everyday, we depend on our immune system to remain healthy. Why is it that when we get sick we direct the treatment on those pathogens and not on improving our ability to fight and prevent disease. The great promise of immunotherapies lies in their ability to stimulate our defense systems.
Features
- AHCC®
- v-capsules
Some supplements are suitable for both men and women of all ages as well as children. But other supplements are specifically targeted to the aging woman or man. Another supplement is especially suitable for athletes, regardless of gender.
- senior
- adults
- athletes
- vegan
- mushrooms
- up to 6+ = -12.5%
- any 2+ = -2.5%!
- any 3+ = -5%!
- any 4+ = -7.5%!
- any 5+ = -10%!
- any 6+ = -12.5%!
- in stock
- €0 (NL) - €2,50+ (EU)
- quantity discount is valid for any combination of products
- keep out of reach of young children
- a dietary supplement is not a subsitute for a healthy diet ; do not exceed recommended dose
- if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive, are under age of 18, or are taking medications, consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
- books, probiotics and products bought in the SALE can NOT be returned
- Dutch label
- German label
recommended use
take a capsule twice a day with a meal
if necessary, increase to 3 capsules twice a day
contains per daily serving (2 capsules)
AHCC (mushroom mycelia extract) 1000mg - as alpha-glucans 100mg
ingredients
active ingredient (extract of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), filler (rapeseed oil from Brassica rapa), v- capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), filler (dextrin, microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel], alpha-cyclodextrin)
storage
keep dry and closed at normal room temperature
keep out of reach of young children
warning and contra-indication
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Nausea and diarrhea have been known to occur, in which case, discontinue use.
allergy information
derived from shiitake mushrooms
contains no familiar allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, lupin, nuts/tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish or mollusks)
vegetarians/vegans
suitable for vegetarians and vegans
