Our immune system can be likened to an orchestra, with the various components knowing when to play a supportive role and when to lead, but all the while working together. We have several types of white blood or immune cells that work continuously, interacting to support each other and relaying information as to impending danger. When one type of white blood cell is unable to defuse a situation, there are usually others there to help out.

We are constantly being challenged by viruses, bacteria, fungus, allergens and cancer cells etc. For example, it has been estimated that on average we produce five hundred to a thousand cancer cells a day as a result of our trillions of healthy cells undergoing the process of normal cell division. Yet most of the time we don’t get cancer. Why? Our immune system recognizes these cells as a potential threat and destroys them. The vast majority of the time the immune system is so efficient that we don’t even realize that our health is at risk. Usually it’s only when we get a cold or a flu that we realize a battle is on. A number of things can impair our immune response. Excess stress of all types can wreak havoc with our defenses. Poor lifestyle, such as a lot of late nights or irregular eating habits can also lessen our immunity. When our immune function is compromised, for whatever reason, we should be considering extra support.

It has been scientifically shown that IP6 combined with inositol boosts our immunity, by enhancing the activity of a type of lymphocyte or white blood cell called a natural killer or NK cell. See the United States patent # 5,082,833 By Professor A. K. Shamsuddin.

The NK cells have two primary roles- They target cells that have changed and become cancerous as well as virally infected cells. Viruses are certainly one of our greatest immune challenges, as there are a countless number of them and they often mutate, thereby presenting new threats.

Dr. Paul Eggleton of Oxford University demonstrated that IP6 may also help in our battles with bacteria. Our primary defense against bacteria is provided by a white blood cell called a neutrophil. Neutrophils damage and destroy bacteria by oxidizing them. Dr.Eggleton was able to prove that IP6 increased the amount of oxidizing agents within neutrophils, thereby improving their ability to protect us. It is ironic, but wonderful, that on one hand IP6 is one of our strongest antioxidants, yet it boosts our bacterial immune response by increasing the oxidative abilities of neutrophils.