Immune Support Factor Capsules

Illness can be a nemesis for an athlete and a team. All the blood, sweat and tears that’s been put in on the track, gym or field may stop an athlete competing or wipe out a team. Many will soldier on, but performances can be sub-par.

PAS have developed immune health products such as Defence, designed for long-term use to support daily wellness and help reduce how often illnesses occur. However, despite preventative strategies, we all get ill eventually.

Interestingly, fitter and healthier individuals often report more severe symptoms when they do become ill, which can be especially disruptive during the lead-up to major competitions or key fixtures. As nutritionists, we are frequently asked by athletes and support staff what can be taken at the first sign of illness - This demand led to the development of Immune Support Factor.

The need for Immune Support Factor became clear when PAS was selected to provide performance nutrition for the British and Irish Lions during their New Zealand Tour. With a demanding schedule of ten matches, extensive international travel, and winter conditions, the risk of colds and flu was high. Immune Support Factor was created to help athletes stay healthy, recover faster, and remain competition-ready.

The three main active ingredients in Immune Support Factor are well-researched for their immune-supporting properties, these are: Elderberry, Beta-Glucans, and Echinacea.

Elderberries contain flavonoids that have antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties have been shown to prevent damage to the body’s cells. Elderberries can be used to treat colds and the flu;

Research has shown that taking Elderberry after flying on a plane can help reduce the duration of a common cold, this is perfect if you are a travelling athlete. Source: Evelin Tiralongo, Shirley S. Wee and Rodney A. Lea (2016) Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Echinacea may help treat the common cold; it is thought that it’s due to macrophage stimulation, or from producing more antigen-specific immunoglobulin’s. It has been shown that Echinacea taken at the first signs of the occurrence of cold symptoms can be more effective than a placebo in reducing the length of cold symptoms. Source: Chulten B, Bulitta M, Ballering-Bruhl B, Koster U, Schafer M (2001) Efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in patients with a common cold. A placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial.

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides; these glucose polymers are part of the cell wall of certain pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Beta-Glucans may have modulating effects on the immune system by activating macrophages and helps digest the bacteria of the pathogen. Source: Ato K, Iwabuchi I, Nagaoka Y, Adachi N, Ohno H, Tamura K, et al. Induction of human neutrophil chemotaxis by Candida albicans-derived {beta}-1,6-long glycoside side-chain- branched {beta}-glucan. J Leukoc Biol 2006;80:204-11. 


Talbot et al in 2009 found that marathon runners that consumed Beta-Glucans reported significantly fewer URTI symptoms and better overall health. Shawn Talbott an Julie Talbott (2009) Glucans reported significantly fewer URTI symptoms and better overall health Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes

Beta-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus significantly reduced the incidence of URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) symptoms and increased the number of circulating NK cells. This suggests that consuming Beta Glucan as a nutritional supplement for athletes under heavy physical training. Source: Bergendiova K, Tibenska E, Majtan J (2011) Pleuran (β-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes.

Research suggests that using the ingredients in immune support factor may help reduce the incidence time of a cold or flu virus. This can help by making sure you are back into full training with little time off.

Keep a tub on hand. At the first sign of illness, take three servings per day for five days and give yourself the best chance of staying healthy, training hard, and performing at your best.