Looking for a natural alternative to the Flu Jab?

Solgar’s Beta Glucans & Elderberry Immune* Complex is comprised of ingredients shown in research to support the normal function of the immune system.

This unique combination of beta 1,3/1,6 glucans, elderberry, Ester-C®, vitamin D3, zinc, copper and selenium, helps support the functioning of the immune system especially during periods where the body could be susceptible to developing an illness, such as during the winter months or stressful periods.

Research Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides which are found in the cell wall of fungi and yeasts. However, modern agricultural practices and processes have removed the majority of the beta-glucans in our diet. In the Victorian era, even though infant mortality was high, research suggests that following childhood, life expectancy was not markedly di›erent than it is today.

It is thought that the consumption of foods rich in beta-glucans may have played a key role in the Victorians’ long and healthy life spans.

1 Beta-glucans can help to improve resistance to infection by stimulating the body’s innate immune response so that the body thinks that it is under attack; this keeps the immune system primed and ready to defend itself against pathogens and foreign invaders.

1 When beta-glucans are consumed they pass through the stomach unchanged and travel to the intestine where they encounter immune sensors known as Peyer’s patches. Peyer’s patches have the ability to screen substances and it is here the beta-glucans come into contact with immune cells called macrophages, which break down the beta-glucans into smaller particles. These particles lock onto the surface of neutrophils (the most abundant white blood cell in the body), priming them so they are ready to hunt down and destroy pathogens more e›fectively.

Research has found that beta-glucans may help reduce the symptoms of the common cold, as well as the number of days people take o› work. One study found that those who took beta-glucans had 23% less upper respiratory infections.

In a double blind placebo controlled study involving 75 marathon runners, those taking beta-glucans had significantly less upper respiratory infections.

Ingredients shown in research to support the normal function of the immune system. This unique combination of beta 1,3/1,6 glucans, elderberry, Ester-C®, immune system especially during periods where the body could be susceptible to developing an illness, such as during the winter months or stressful periods. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides which are found in the Another study found that taking a daily supplement of beta-glucans reduced the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.

Beta-glucans may also reduce the possibility of the body overreacting to otherwise harmless substances such as ragweed pollen.

Elderberry (sambucus nigra) Elderberry (sambucus nigra) berries have been used in traditional Austrian medicine for the treatment of various immune related disorders. A recent scientific study showed that supplementation of elderberry before the development of colds reduced the severity and duration.

Several studies suggest that elderberry supplementation may reduce both the symptoms and duration of influenza.

One such study found that influenza symptoms decreased 48 hours following supplementation and lasted just 2-3 days in 90% of patients in comparison to 6 days in the placebo group. The e›fect of elderberry seems to primarily stem from an ability to inhibit a mechanism required for viral replication.

This may be attributable to the anthocyanin content of elderberries, as they are thought to boost cytokine production and therefore the immune system also.

Vitamin D has been a focus of research surrounding the immune system, due to its link with immune function. During the winter periods many people are not exposed to sufficient UVB, this can lead to inadequate levels of vitamin D being available for biological mechanisms to function properly (e.g. immune system).

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections when compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels. 

Ester-C® (calcium ascorbate) is a patented form of vitamin C which is retained within the white blood cells in the body for up to 24 hours. Vitamin C is rapidly used as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative damage to cell membranes caused by free radical production as a result of phagocytosis.

Zinc has been shown to be important for the normal development and function of innate immune cells (e.g. neutrophils and natural killer cells) and adaptive immune cells (T and B cells).

Copper deficiency can result in a reduction in circulating neutrophils (neutropenia) and also a reduction in function of circulating neutrophils.

Selenium deficiency may contribute towards a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness.This is thought to be due to its presence in immune system tissues (spleen, liver and lymph nodes) and their incorporation into the structure of enzymes.