Scientific Information/Data
Decades ago, immunology researchers began investigating the possible health benefits to humans that could be achieved by the consumption of products from hyperimmunized lactating cows and laying hens.[1] Agricultural scientists soon discovered that they could simultaneously immunize a single laying hen against multiple human germs. The resulting avian immunoglobulins, known as IgY, are transferred to the egg yolk, paralleling the way human immunoglobulins (IgG) are passed to the placenta. From this discovery, a new functional food was born: the “hyperimmune egg.” IG 26 DF is the result of special hyperimmune egg harvesting and processing techniques that result in a polyvalent, immunoglobulin-rich, dried
hyperimmune egg food product that can be consumed as a dietary supplement
IgY Immunoglobulins and Passive Immunity Hyperimmune egg provides a concentrated source of environmentally specific IgY antibodies and immune-supporting cofactors that can confer passive immunity to the human being who consumes it.[1-6] There are over 100 patents associated
with the production of hyperimmune egg and its use in animals and humans, and it is a self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) product—a designation that affirms safe consumption. Furthermore, hyperimmune egg and IgY have been
studied extensively.*
Oral Health In a study of healthy volunteers, the use of an oral rinse containing an aqueous IgY solution increased the presence of active antibodies in saliva.[7] Moreover, in vitro, animal, and human research support the benefits of custom IgY solutions, IgY-supplemented diets, and IgY-containing pastes that are designed for use in the dental plaque environment and to promote gingival health.*[8,9]
Intestinal Health IgY stability through the orogastrointestinal tract and its safety profile are well-documented.[5] In vitro, animal, and human studies provide evidence that supplemental IgY from hyperimmune egg imparts passive immunity in the intestinal tract.[1,2,4,10-13] Providing the body with an increased supply of immunoglobulins also helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestine. Supporting passive immunity and promoting microbiome balance lead to better overall health due to the link between gut health and systemic health. Furthermore,
researchers postulate that by supporting passive immunity in the gut, immune
overactivation might be reduced.*[1]
Immunoregulatory Factors Hyperimmune egg not only provides IgY immunoglobulins, but it also contains bioactive immunoregulatory factors. These immunoregulatory factors act directly on gastrointestinal surfaces where they may influence effector cells and also circulate systemically where they act as intercellular communicators. As intercellular communicators, they are responsible for the regulation of a variety of immune, hormonal, and metabolic pathways that have widespread systemic effects.[1] Preliminary studies suggest that these immunoregulatory factors in IG 26 DF benefit cytokine modulation, joint health, blood lipid metabolism, exercise performance, and overall wellness.*[1,5]
Cytokine Modulation Hyperimmune egg contains heightened levels of cytokine inhibitory factor (CIF) and cytokine activating factor (CAF).[14,15] These bioactive molecules help balance the production of cytokines such as TNF-alpha and are believed to help the immune system recognize when to turn on and when to turn off.*[14,15]
Joint Health A small, 60-day, open-label pilot study (n=13) examined the effects of a multivitamin/mineral drink mix containing hyperimmune egg powder (4.5 g) on joint health. A statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in mean global assessment scores at 30 and 60 days was recorded. In a subgroup of patients, this result continued for 30 days after discontinuation of the drink.*[16]
Cardiovascular Health In a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of military personnel (n=46), consumption of a supplement drink with hyperimmune egg (4.5 g) positively affected serum lipoprotein levels in comparison to controls and placebo (supplement drink without hyperimmune egg).[17] The investigators suggested that hyperimmune egg may modify serum lipoprotein regulation and thereby support cardiovascular health.*
Muscle Performance and Recovery Clinical studies completed at the Human Performance Laboratory at the College of Charleston in South Carolina explored the sports-related benefits of hyperimmune egg. Compared to an egg-protein placebo group, oral supplementation of hyperimmune egg (4.5 g to 13.5 g) for 10 days resulted in a significantly lower submaximal heart rate and higher peak power.[18] In a double-blind, balanced, matched-pairs study, oral supplementation of hyperimmune egg (4.5 g to 13.5 g) improved strength performance and enhanced muscle recovery. The supplemented group also experienced significantly less muscle soreness.[19] Other studies presented in 2008 at the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Conference and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Conference suggested that hyperimmune egg significantly increased levels of growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), and related molecules. Furthermore, there was also a significant increase in the overall bioavailability of IGF-1.*[20-22]
Quality of Life HIV/AIDS patients (n=31) with varying levels of sickness were administered hyperimmune egg (4.5 g) for four to eight weeks. The supplementation proved to have significant benefits on quality of life as observed by improvements in multiple parameters of physical and mental wellbeing, such as abdominal distress, energy levels, weight gain, and sleep.*[23]
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
1. Dean KL. Hyperimmune eggs capture natural immune support. Altern Complemen Ther. June 2000;6(3):118-24. http://www.ah-gene.com.tw/pic/digi/71014101140_hug1.pdf. Accessed December29, 2014.
2. Sarker SA, Casswall TH, Juneja LR, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of hyperimmunized chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin in children with rotavirus diarrhea. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2001Jan;32(1):19-25. [PMID: 11176319]
3. Mine Y, Kovacs-Nolan J. Chicken egg yolk antibodies as therapeutics in enteric infectious disease: a review. J Med Food. 2002 Fall;5(3):159-69. [PMID: 12495588]
4. Xie YM, Gao S, Wang LY, et al. Therapeutic effect of probiotics and oral IgY as supplementary drugs in the treatment of pediatric rotavirus enteritis: a comparative study [in Chinese]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2013 Nov;15(11):1000-05. [PMID: 24229598]
5. Rahman S, Van Nguyen S, Icatlo FC Jr, et al. Oral passive IgY-based immunotherapeutics: a novel solution for prevention and treatment of alimentary tract diseases. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013 May;9(5):1039- 48. [PMID: 23319156]
6. Rahman S, Higo-Moriguchi K, Htun KW, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of immunoglobulin Y as adjunct to standard supportive therapy for rotavirus-associated diarrhea among pediatric patients. Vaccine. 2012 Jun 29;30(31):4661-69. [PMID: 22575165]
7. Carlander D, Kollberg H, Larsson A. Retention of specific yolk IgY in the human oral cavity. BioDrugs. 2002;16(6):433-37. [PMID: 12463766]
8. Hatta H, Tsuda K, Ozeki M, et al. Passive immunization against dental plaque formation in humans: effect of a mouth rinse containing egg yolk antibodies (IgY) specific to Streptococcus mutans. Caries Res. 1997;31(4):268-74. [PMID: 9197932]
9. Otake S, Nishihara Y, Makimura M, et al. Protection of rats against dental caries by passive immunization with hen-egg-yolk antibody (IgY). J Dent Res. 1991 Mar;70(3):162-66. [PMID: 1825668]
10. Fujibayashi T, Nakamura M, Tominaga A, et al. Effects of IgY against Candida albicans and Candida spp. Adherence and biofilm formation. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2009 Sep;62(5):337-42. [PMID: 19762981]
11. Ikemori Y, Ohta M, Umeda K, et al. Passive protection of neonatal calves against bovine coronavirusinduced diarrhea by administration of egg yolk or colostrum antibody powder. Vet Microbiol. 1997 Nov;58(2-4):105-11. [PMID: 9453122]
12. Jüngling A, Wiedemann V, Kühlmann R, et al. Chicken egg antibodies for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious intestinal diseases. IV. In vitro studies on protective effects against adhesion of enterotoxogenic Escherichia coli to isolated enterocytes. Zentralbl Veterinarmed B. 1991 Jul;38(5):373-81. [PMID: 1681635]
13. Buragohain M, Dhale G, Ghalsasi G, et al. Evaluation of hyperimmune hen egg yolk derived anti-human rotavirus antibodies (anti-hrvigy) against rotavirus infection. World Journal of Vaccines. 2012;2:73-84. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/wjv.2012.22010. Accessed December 23, 2014.
14. Iyer S, Johnson WL, Nguyen L, Ross SC, Xing R, inventors; Arkion Life Sciences, LLC, assignee. Purified
cytokine inhibitory factor. US patent 7,083,809 B2. Aug 1, 2006.
15. Iyer S, Nguyen TN, Wu DR, Xing R, inventors; Arkion Life Sciences, LLC, assignee. Protein isolated from egg whites and yolks of hyperimmunized animals; amino acid sequence seq id no:1 and 6; upregulation of tumor necrosis factor and interleukins-6 and -1beta; downregulation of transforming growth factor-beta. US patent 6,420,337 B1. July 16, 2002.
16. Greenblatt H, Adalsteinsson O, Kagen L. Administration to arthritis patients of a dietary supplement containing immune egg: an open-label pilot study. J Med Food. 1998;1(3):171-79. [on file]
17. Karge WH, Deluca JP, Marchitelli LJ, et al. Pilot study on the effect of hyperimmune egg protein on elevated cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors. J Med Food. 1999;2(2):51-63. [PMID: 19281349]
18. Scheett TP, Martin T, Carr B, et al. Hyperimmune egg protein decreases submaximal heart rate and increases peak power. Poster presented at: American College of Sports Medicine Conference; May 30-June 2, 2007; New Orleans, LA. http://igyhyperimmuneegg.org/studies/Scheett_ACSM_
SubmaximalHRPeakPower.pdf. Accessed January 4, 2015.
19. Scheett TP, Martin T, Carr B, et al. Increased muscular strength and enhanced muscle repair with hyperimmune egg protein supplementation. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association Conference; July 12-15, 2007; Atlanta, GA. http://www.igyhyperimmuneegg.org/studies/ Scheett_MSCA_MuscularStrengthMuscleRepair.pdf. Accessed January 4, 2015.
20. Rivera LE, Boland CG, Scheett TP. Effect of the hyperimmune egg supplement on regulation of insulin-like growth factor 1. Paper presented at: Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Conference; February 14-16, 2008; Birmingham, AL. http://www.seacsm.org/SEACSM_2008_program.pdf. Accessed January 2, 2015.
21. Scheett TP, Boland CG, Rivera LE, et al. Hyperimmune egg protein supplementation stimulates the GH–> IGF-1 axis. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association Conference; July 10, 2008; Las Vegas, NV. http://www.igyhyperimmuneegg.org/studies/Scheett_Boland_Rivera_GHtoIGF-1_Axis.pdf. Accessed January 2, 2015.
22. Boland CG, Rivera LE, Scheett TP. Effect of the hyperimmune egg supplement on anabolic mediators of muscle repair. Paper presented at: Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Conference; February 14-16, 2008; Birmingham, AL. http://www.seacsm.org/SEACSM_2008_program.pdf. Accessed January 2, 2015.
23. Kizito FB. Improvements in quality of life for HIV/AIDS patients using hyperimmune egg (Immune 26™) – The TASO Study. Paper presented at: 3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment; July 24-27, 2005; Rio de Janeiro. http://www.iasociety.org/Abstracts/A2177717.aspx Accessed December 29, 2014
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