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Clinical Benefits

Clinical Benefits

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Innate Immune Impairment affects the body's first line of defense, compromising the function of neutrophils and macrophages - the specialized immune cells responsible for detecting and eliminating pathogens. When these critical immune components are impaired, individuals experience frequent infections, prolonged recovery times, and persistent fatigue. Immune Defence Forte provides targeted nutritional support to restore optimal innate immune function through clinically researched ingredients that enhance neutrophil activity, improve macrophage coordination, and strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Rhina-mp® Astragalus membranaceus represents a cornerstone of immune restoration, with its polysaccharides (APS) demonstrating profound effects on innate immunity. Astragalus polysaccharides support neutrophil proliferation and maturation by promoting the differentiation of granulocyte precursors in the bone marrow, while upregulating L-selectin to help neutrophils better adhere to cells and exit the bloodstream into infected or inflamed tissues [37]. The herb also activates macrophages by increasing the expression of TLR-4, IL-6, and IL-12, which are essential for macrophage-mediated antiviral and antibacterial responses, while upregulating macrophage nitric oxide synthase for improved intracellular destruction of pathogens [16][2][3][5][14][15][37].

The medicinal mushroom complex of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) and Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) provides powerful immune-modulating beta-glucans that prime neutrophils and macrophages for enhanced pathogen recognition and response. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan, which enhances neutrophil functioning including phagocytosis and chemotaxis, while delaying neutrophil cell death to promote longevity of functional neutrophils at infection sites [36][11][13][15][16][18][71]. These polysaccharides induce macrophage production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide (NO), leading to enhanced microbial killing and more effective antigen presentation, while upregulating dendritic cell maturation for improved cross-talk with the adaptive immune system [36][11][13][15][16][18][71].

Olea europaea (Olive) leaf extract contributes additional antimicrobial and immune-supportive compounds that complement the formula's primary mechanisms. The standardized Zinc amino acid chelate provides essential cofactor support for over 300 enzymatic reactions central to innate immune regulation [61][62][63][64]. Zinc facilitates neutrophil infection targeting through modulation of adhesion molecules and is required for superoxide dismutase function, which protects neutrophils from damage [61][62][63][64]. In macrophages, zinc regulates membrane fluidity, modulates signaling pathways, and is crucial for monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, while clinical evidence demonstrates zinc dosing at 75-90mg per day during acute viral infections reduced cold duration by up to 33% [7][61][62][63][64].

Olive leaf extract provides natural antimicrobial compounds including oleuropein, which supports the body's defense against various pathogens while contributing antioxidant protection to immune cells during their intensive pathogen-fighting activities.

Ingredients

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Rhina-mp® Astragalus membranaceus ext.
ext. equiv. dry (root)

277.83 mg
5 g

Grifola frondosa (Maitake) ext.
ext. equiv. dry (fruiting body)

21 mg
210 mg

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) ext.
ext. equiv. dry (fruiting body)

300 mg
3 g

Olea europaea (Olive) ext.
ext. equiv. dry (leaf)

200 mg
2 g

Zinc amino acid chelate
equiv. Zinc

35 g
7 mg

Instructions

Instructions

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Dosage

1 tablet daily


Duration

Minimum 4 weeks

Suitable for long-term immune support, with dosing adjusted according to symptoms

Warnings

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Adults only
Discontinue use if you develop sensitivity to the formula
Always read the label
Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet
If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, consult your healthcare professional
Do not take while on warfarin therapy without medical advice
Contains zinc which may be dangerous if taken in large amounts or for a long period

Contraindications

Contraindications

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This supplement may interact with the following categories of medications, as well as specific active ingredients.

• Medications that decrease the immune system
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Warfarin
• Antibiotics
• Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
• Cephalexin
• Cisplatin
• Medications for HIV/AIDS
• Penicillamine
• Ritonavir
• Atazanavir

Further details are provided below.

Please note that medications may be sold under different brand names, so check the listed active ingredients against your medication packaging.

Major Interactions

Moderate Interactions

Medications that decrease the immune system


• Cyclosporine

• Tacrolimus

• Mycophenolate

• Prednisone

• Methotrexate

• Azathioprine


Shiitake mushroom can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking shiitake mushroom along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.



Taking astragalus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.


Medications for diabetes


• Glyburide

• Glipizide

• Insulin

• Sitagliptin

• Empagliflozin

• Semaglutide

• Dapagliflozin


Astragalus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking astragalus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.


Astragalus can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking astragalus along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.


Medications for high blood pressure


• Amlodipine

• Ramipril

• Perindopril

• Metoprolol

• Losartan

• Hydrochlorothiazide


Maitake mushroom might lower blood pressure. Taking maitake mushroom along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.



• Jantoven

• Used for: blood thinning, clot prevention


Maitake mushroom might increase the blood thinning effects of warfarin and potentially increase the chance of bleeding. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more often if you take maitake mushroom along with warfarin. The dose of your warfarin medication may need to be changed.


Antibiotics


• Doxycycline

• Ciprofloxacin

• Amoxicillin

• Azithromycin

• Norfloxacin

• Trimethoprim


Zinc might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs from the gut. Taking zinc along with quinolone antibiotics might decrease the effects of these antibiotics. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after zinc supplements.


Zinc can decrease the amount of tetracyclines the body absorbs. Taking zinc with tetracyclines might decrease the effects of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction, take tetracyclines 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after taking zinc supplements.


Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide


• Biktarvy


In theory, zinc might decrease how much bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide the body absorbs from the stomach. To avoid this interaction, take bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.


Cephalexin


• Keflex


Zinc can reduce how much cephalexin the body absorbs. This might decrease how well cephalexin works for treating infections. To avoid this interaction, take zinc 3 hours after taking cephalexin.


Cisplatin


• Platinol-AQ


Cisplatin is used to treat cancer. Taking zinc along with cisplatin might inactivate cisplatin therapy. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.


Medications for HIV/AIDS


• Integrase inhibitors


Taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease blood levels of integrase inhibitors. This might decrease the effects of these medications. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are using integrase inhibitors and want to start taking zinc.


Penicillamine


• Cuprimine, Depen


Zinc might decrease how much penicillamine the body absorbs. Taking zinc with penicillamine might decrease the effects of penicillamine. Take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.


Ritonavir


• Norvir


Ritonavir is a drug used for HIV infection. Zinc can reduce how much ritonavir the body absorbs. But it isn't clear if this is a big concern.

Minor Interactions

Atazanavir


• Reyataz


Atazanavir is a drug used for HIV infection. Zinc decreases how much atazanavir the body absorbs. But the body still absorbs enough atazanavir for it to work for treating HIV. So this interaction is probably not a big concern.

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• Astragalus polysaccharides outperformed standard pharmaceutical G-CSF for immune recovery after chemotherapy, promoting mature neutrophil production without flooding the bloodstream with immature cells

• Shiitake mushroom compounds enhance neutrophil killing capacity and extend their functional lifespan at infection sites while improving macrophage pathogen recognition

• Zinc supplementation at therapeutic doses (75-90mg daily) reduced cold duration by up to 33% in clinical trials while supporting over 300 immune-critical enzymatic reactions

Immune Defence Forte

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