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28/07/2016

For internal training purposes only.

• The body is constantly bombarded with potentially pathogenic organisms and our immune system fights in our defence 24hrs a day.

• The Immune System of the human body functions as a complete unit is to keep the body free from illness, preventing from infection, allowing/helping the body to heal after injury, protecting from degenerative diseases and premature ageing.

• We are automatically immune to some illnesses because they only affect certain species e.g. we don't get myxomatosis, etc. Some diseases can affect several species e.g. rabies

• Some illnesses are genetically determined e.g. haemophilia which cannot be altered by diet or supplementation, although we may be able to reduce the severity of some of the symptoms.

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• The common cold is caused by a virus , the most common one being the rhinovirus, which is responsible for up to 40% of colds.

• The most common cold & flu viruses survive better in low humidity so dry atmospheres and cold weather are not helpful as they make the lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to infection.

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• Those various microbes must first find a chink in the body’s physical barriers, allowing access to the vulnerable tissues within.

• The relatively toughened outer skin reduces damage which would allow entry to pathogenic microbes along with the mucous membranes of the nose and throat and the intestines.

• The respiratory tract is both warm and moist – ideal environment for pathogens. The mucous membranes produce sticky mucus which is deadly to many pathogens but also hinders further invasion.

• The lymphatic tissue of the Tonsils is perfectly positioned to have contact with pathogens as they enter the respiratory tract and can activate the immune system immediately.

• Beneficial bacteria residing in our gastrointestinal tract play a major role in supporting the immune system. Peyer’s patches (lymph tissue in the gut) are part of our immune system. They screen substances and then up-regulate or down-regulate the immune response accordingly and they can be positively influenced by good levels of beneficial bacteria.

• The mucous membranes of the bladder and genitals help to protect the body from pathogenic microbes.

• The thymus gland programmes new, immature T-cells for specific action and teaches them the difference between cells which are part of the body and those

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which are not (i.e. ‘authorised’ targets). Once mature, T-cells are released into the blood stream.

• The bone marrow produces all blood cells including the immune cells. • Lymph nodes work like biological filter stations trapping foreign substances there

initiates an immune response to destroy them. Lymph nodes house a large number of B cells which can multiply and manufacture specific antibodies to combat invaders. If lymph nodes become swollen, painful or hard, it can indicate increased immune activity in the area.

• The spleen acts as a filter, trapping foreign substances and initiating their destruction by immune cells.

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Immunity begins from the outside in.

The immune system can then be divided into two main branches: the innate and the adaptive1. The innate immune system (otherwise known as non-specific) : This is the first line of defence and consists of the physical and chemical barriers to infection; plus the action of certain immune cells. This is designed to block the entry and spread of disease-causing agents and it’s response is the same, whatever foreign substance it deals with i.e. the response is non-specific.2 The adaptive immune system: This is the second line of defence and involves specific immune responses to different pathogens so this response is tailored to an individual threat.The innate immune system is functional at birth whereas the adaptive or acquired immune system develops as we interact with our environment.

The 2 points of difference between the adaptive immune system from the innate immune system:1 The ability to distinguish between the body’s own cells and the cells of the invader.2 The ability to memorise previously encountered invaders. A repeat encounter witha particular invader prompts a rapid and strong response from the immune cells.

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The innate immune system responds more quickly than the adaptive immune system.And speed here is vital because microbes can multiply very fast so they need to be tackled quickly.The adaptive immune response does have memory, so that once it has encountered a pathogen and dealt with it, it remembers how it has done this so that it can deal with the pathogen more quickly should it come into contact with it again in the future.

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There is so much more to the immune system but we are focusing on these important components so we can better understand how some of the supplement can support our immune health.

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• B cells are lymphocytes which are sent into the body to rest in the spleen, appendix,

tonsils, lymph nodes, Peyer's patches (in the small intestine) etc. They are the privates in our army.• B cells produce antibodies which immobilise the enemy and target it for attack by

macrophages. When an invader is identified, the B cells enlarge and split rapidly into smaller cells which produce and release the correct antibody for that enemy. This has the effect of wrapping the enemy in a straight-jacket which prevents it from secreting toxins and from entering any body cells. This is particularly valuable if the invader is a virus because a virus reproduces by entering a body cell and altering the genetic code (DNA) so that it can reproduce. It is important too that the replication of the B cells is so rapid because the pathogens it is fighting tend to multiply at a similar rate. It is this activity and rapid multiplication which causes swelling of the lymph nodes during an infection.

• Once an antibody is attached to an invader it is marked for destruction. Now immobilised, the invader can be disposed of by phagocytic action by the macrophages

• T cells are the unarmed immune commanders. They are specialised lymphocytes or white blood cells which have been ‘trained’ in the thymus gland – hence the name T-cells - and given specific roles.

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• T Helper cells initiate enemy engagement or increase the attack on the enemy. • T suppressor cells reduce the attack when the threat reduces so as to give a

proportional response. This is a protective mechanism because an over-zealous immune system could actually be a potential problem.

• T cells can be affected by the brain e.g. if it feels that the body is under threat of injury it will gear up the immune system in favour of T helper cells and against T suppressor cells. In modern day life however, this threat is not usually a physical one but may be stress or anxiety and can result in a reduction of T suppressor action. This may increase the risk of auto-immune response or allergies as the controlling influence of the suppressor cells on immune activity is reduced.

• Cytotoxic T cells, probably better known as Natural Killer cells (NKcells) are heavily armed and on constant patrol and on the lookout for invaders. They also have the ability to identify rogue cells i.e. cells which look like healthy functioning cells from the outside but may actually be infected by a virus or have malfunctioning DNA. NKcells use the powerful chemicals they carry to kill such rogue cells.

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• Interferon and Complement proteins are found in blood serum.• Interferon tangles up viruses and buys the body time to respond to the threat

with antibodies.• Complement proteins travel around together like individuals parts of a weapon

but will connect up to kill invaders when required then disconnect again.• Macrophages are large white blood cells which eat 24hrs a day. . . they clean up

by engulfing and digesting foreign particles and pathogens which the immune system has damaged, destroyed or tagged for destruction.

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So how do viruses take hold?First, they must gain access to cells in your body so if that initial physical defence barrier is weak, this will be easier and you will be more vulnerable to infection

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Once inside the cell, the virus uses your DNA in the cell nucleus to replicate then releases more viruses into the blood stream to infect other cells so the infection spreads & takes hold.

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• Our first line of defence will be the mucous membranes and the respiratory cilia • If that doesn’t cope with the viral load then the Innate or non-specific immune

system responds within hours. . . . . it targets the virus initially with complement proteins, Interferon, NK Cells and phagocytes. If the virus is known to the body because it has encountered it before then there will be antibodies around to arrest it until it can be dealt with.

• Having been alerted of an invader, the activity of the Adaptive immune system is now increased. B cells rapid replicate to produce the specific antibody for that invader and targeting it for destruction before it can enter our cells.

• T cell activity stimulates macrophages and their phagocytic action cleans up all the mess from damaged and dead viruses produced during the battle.

Unfortunately we can make life difficult for the immune system with poor diet and lifestyle choices.

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Unfortunately we can make life difficult for the immune system with poor diet and lifestyle choicesSmoking & air pollution –Researcher shows that exposure to airbourne pollutants, increases immune cell death rate, reduces immune response and increased inflammation.

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• Alcohol can directly supress various immune responses and clinical studies have found alcohol abuse to be associated with an increased incidence of a number of infectious diseases.

• Too much alcohol also depletes the body of minerals such as zinc, which play an important role in supporting the immune function. Research shows that three or more drinks appear to have a marked detrimental effect on the immune system.

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• Stress affects cortisol production throughout a 24hr day and can result in a disruption of the Circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.

• Sleep deprivation appears to weaken the immune system. Natural killer cells are generated during sleep and do not work efficiently in those who are sleep deprived, however their activity swiftly returns to normal, when sleep patterns regulate. Research has found that after 24 hrs of sleep deprivation the percentage of natural killer cells in the body declined by 37%.

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• White blood cells have a higher concentration of vitamin C. • Research suggests that sugar competes with vitamin C for membrane transport

sites as the chemical structure of sugar and vitamin C are very similar and both also require insulin for membrane transport.

• Without excess sugar in the diet vitamin C can adequately accumulate in the white blood cells in sufficient quantities. With increased sugar consumption there is a reduced capacity for vitamin C to enter white blood cells.

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• One study found that consuming 100 grams of carbohydrate in the form of glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey or orange juice can significantly reduce the ability of white blood cells to destroy foreign particles and microorganisms. As you can see from the chart, the negative effect on phagocytes begins 30 minutes following consumption and lasts for up to 5 hours. So avoid or reduce the use of remedies which contain a lot of sugar or honey.

• In addition, it can take four to six hours for the vitamin C concentration in the white blood cells to recover and reach optimum levels.

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• PNI is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body.

• Psychologists in the field of "psychoneuroimmunology" have shown that state of mind affects one's state of health.

Research has revealed a link between stress and infection. Their studies found thatstudents immunity went down every year under the simple stress of the three-day exam period. Test takers had:• fewer natural killer cells, which fight tumors and viral infections• they had almost stopped producing interferon• infection-fighting T-cells response was also found to be very weakSo clearly stress impacts on immune function.

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• This is a diagrammatic representation of the levels of sunshine received in countries around the world

• Review the key at the bottom of the page for the sunshine categories• The latitude for Great Britain has been highlighted and show us in the ‘moderate

sunshine’ category during June July and August but the rest of the year is low or not enough to produce vitamin D.

• During those summer months then we need between 20 and 60 minutes of sunshine a day –depending on how fair or dark skinned we are

• During the rest of the year, chances of making any appreciable amounts of vitamin D are low or non-existent.

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• Vitamin D is made by UVB rays, not UVA. • In the UK we only receive UVB rays in the Spring and Summer due to the angle of

the sun of the earth. So just because it is sunny - does not mean you can make vitamin D.

• If your shadow is longer than you are tall then it is not possible to make any vitamin D.

• Vitamin D is fat soluble so the body is able to store it but without a constant supply our stores decrease as the body uses it up.

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• Vitamin D deficiency in Great Britain is common.• A group of leading vitamin D experts recommend optimum levels for health to be

100-150nmol/L.• Others have recommended a lower level of 75nmol/L.• This study chart shows that almost 50% of people in the UK have Vitamin D levels

below 40nmol/L during the winter and spring.• Even with a conservative level of 75nmol/L being optimal status, 90% of the UK

population are affected by low D status with February showing vitamin D at it’s lowest.

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• For many years scientists have speculated why people are more susceptible to colds and flu in the winter time. In the last slide we noted vitamin D levels dropping to their lowest level in February when the body’s stores built up from exposure to the sun in the summer have declined.

• In recent years it has been suggested that it is the low levels of vitamin D in winter that increases peoples susceptibility to flu.

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There are several excellent products available for immune support like echinacea, astragalus, ashwagandha, ginsengs, olive leaf and oregano and you may have your favourites but this training will review Vitamin D, Beta Glucans, Elderberry, Vitamin C and Zinc.

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what level of Vitamin D is ‘adequate’?

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• This is a case study of one man’s review of his vitamin D status.• When measured in April it was found to be very low at 37nmol/litre so he took

3000IU vitamin D for 3 months before retesting, only to find that , while it had gone up to 75nmol/litre it was still below the optimal 100+.

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In the UK levels up to 4000 iu can be used but higher dosages should be monitored with regular blood testing from the doctor. This table suggests the amount of vitamin D you would need to take based on your existing vitamin D levels.

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• The mucous membranes provide the first line of defence against infection as they line the digestive and urinary tract, the lungs and sinuses.

• Mucous production is reliant on adequate vitamin A intake with low levels reducing the production of goblet cells and therefore mucus production.

• It is probably best supplemented as Vitamin A because some people do not have the ability to convert beta carotene into the retinol form

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• Vitamin C supports several components of the human immune system. • Uptake of vitamin C in white blood cells is much greater when the immune system

is responding to bacterial or viral attack. • Vitamin C also strengthens the tissues which holds the body cells together.

Viruses produce an enzyme which breaks that down in order to reach more cells and invade them. Strengthening those tissues slows down the virus and buys the immune cells a bit of time.

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• Ester-C® Plus is exclusively formulated by Solgar® and provides a

patented method of supplementing pH neutral (non-acidic) Vitamin C.

• Ester-C® Plus contains the Vitamin C metabolites that occur along with

Vitamin C in nature. A special manufacturing process is employed to form a

unique calcium ascorbate metabolite complex.

• These metabolites may influence the transportation and utilization of

vitamin C itself.

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• Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides which are found in the cell wall of fungi and yeasts

• Today we consume very small amounts of beta glucans from food due to fungacides and processed foods reducing levels found on the skin of fruit and vegetables.

• The beta glucans derived from yeast cell wall provides the greatest benefit for the immune system so Solgar Beta 1,3 Glucans is sourced from Saccharomyces Cerivisiae

• Like an army, the immune system undergoes training in order to be effective and beta glucans works by priming the immune system getting it ready to respond to an attack by stimulating certain immune cells.

• Once swallowed, whole beta glucans particles pass through the stomach into the small intestine where they are taken up by the Peyer’s patches where the beta glucan molecules are encountered by circulating macrophages

• Remember, beta glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of many bacteria and fungi, so Macrophages have encountered them before and they have receptors which specifically recognise beta glucans. The Innate immune system responds to what it thinks is an enemy.

• This important first line of defence is now activated, and several well-conducted research papers have shown that resistance to infection is greatly enhanced.

• Because the beta glucans are transported by specialist cells to other areas of lymph tissue like the thymus gland and lymph nodes around the body, it activates other immune cells - not only to act on foreign invaders but also to remember them andrespondmorequickly in future encounters.

• In effect, taking Beta Glucans ‘primes’ the immune system.

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1. Once swallowed, whole beta glucans particles pass through the stomach into the small intestine where they are taken up by specialised regions called the Peyer’sPatches.In the Peyer’s patches, the beta glucan molecules are encountered by circulating macrophages – immune cells whose function is to engulf and digest foreign invaders - whether bacterial, fungal or viral.Macrophages have receptors which specifically recognise 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans (Czop& Austen ’85), because they occur in the cell walls of many bacteria and fungi. This means that when you ingest beta glucansyour innate immune system thinks, not unreasonably, that an enemy has arrived and it rises to the challenge.figure_2This important first line of defence is now fully activated, and several well-conducted research papers have shown that resistance to infection is greatly enhanced (Onderdonk et al ’92, Kernodle et al ’98, Vetvicka et al ‘02).

2. Specialised cells called M-Cells transport the whole glucan particles to macrophages and these macrophages, in turn, convey the whole glucan particles to various regions of the immune system – such as lymph nodes, bone marrow and the Thymus. Figure 2

3. The macrophages then breakdown the beta glucans 1-3, 1-6 into smaller particles. These active fragments bind or lock onto the surface of neutrophils – which are the most abundant immune cells in the body.They then lock on to a receptor called CR3 – Complement Receptor 3. Figure 3figure_3The neutrophil is now activated or ‘primed’ and ready to seek out foreign challengers or pathogens.

4. For a neutrophil to kill a foreign challenger – or pathogen – the CR3 receptor (Complement Receptor 3) must be occupied by both complement - a blood protein –and beta glucan.The CR3 receptor is occupied naturally by moulds and yeasts . But there are other threats, including bacteria, viruses and cancer, where beta glucan is not present.Thus, by taking beta glucans, the neutrophils are provided with the missing element they need to trigger the neutrophil’s natural killing mechanism

5. A fully primed neutrophil now migrates to the site of a pathogen (whether virus, cancer or bacterium) through a process called chemotaxis.The neutrophil then binds to the surface of this pathogen - and recognises it as ‘non-self’ ie foreign. It is now able to destroy that pathogen by releasing toxic chemicals Figure 4 figure_4

6. At the same time, other killer cells retain fragments of the pathogens (ie. foreign invaders) that they have destroyed and ‘present’ them on their surface. These send signals to other members of the immune system family, which become memory cells.Next time the same virus or pathogen is encountered, these newly programmed

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memory cells will recognise the virus and produce antibodies. These antibodies stick to the surface of the virus and prevent it from infecting healthy cells.

7. Size matters. The molecular size of the beta glucans also appears to be important. Particles of approximately 2-6 microns in size appear to be most effective.

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These Power Mushrooms have revealed immune-enhancing benefits and they exhibit anti-microbial activity, encouragement of the NK cells and support to the liver and body cells.

Solgar® offer a Reishi Shiitake Maitake Mushroom Extract:• sourced from the fruiting body of the mushroom rather than mycelium-derived

extracts• Sourced from mushrooms grown on a wood medium rather than rice or grain,

better representing how mushrooms grow in the wild.Both points are important because they further enhance the nutritional profile of the extract resultingin an extract far richer in nutritional compounds listed here including beta-glucans.

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Zinc deficiency is quite common due to inadequate intake from the diet and higher levels of phytates in the diet, which may impair absorption. Optimal zinc intake

range is between 15-50mg daily depending on current health status and

dietary intake e.g. eggs, liver, red meats, pecans, brazils and pine nuts which

all provide 4-5mg/100gms

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• Studies show standardised Elderberry extracts inhibit the ability of viruses to enter the body cells to replicate and greatly reduces the duration of flu & coldsymptoms.

• It appears to act directly by reducing the ability of viruses to spike holes in ourcells membranes and penetrate them to replicate.

• This is a direct and fast action making it an ideal product to try when tackling early-onset symptoms.

Typical dosage for standardised Elderberry extract 400-1500mg daily

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• The beneficial bacteria of the gut microbiome play a key role in immune support as they influence the Peyer’s patches which if you remember can up regulate or down regulate the immune system response to invaders, partially digested foods and potential allergens.

• By reducing the load on the immune system and yet at the same time, stimulating the Peyer’s patches to upregulate their immune response, the gut microbiomecan have a positive influence on immune health.

• Reduce the damage to the mucous membranes =reduced inflammation • Remember that the digestive tract extends from the mouth to the rectum so

beneficial bacteria reside in the mouth and throat and can impact mucus membrane function there too.

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In this study researchers used Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and we see that they used a patented strain because they specify it by adding the specific strain LGG with a registered trade mark. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, LGG® is considered to be the worlds most well researched strain of bacteria.

In this study they measured the long term consumption of probiotic milk containing LGG® on children attending day care centres. They concluded that LGG reduced the number and severity of respiratory tract infections in the children which resulted in fewer days absence and reduced antibiotic treatment.

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There are several key nutrients involved in immune support e.g.

• B vitamins which are vital for B cell replication

• Vitamin E support of T cells and its antioxidant support for the immune system and the body tissues,

• Selenium’s many effects on immune cell function and inhibition of pathogens particularly viruses

A broad content multivitamin & mineral would be a wise start for any support here.

The Male and Female multiples have some of the highest levels of selenium, vitamin E, B vits and calcium & magnesium which is needed for complement proteins to link efficiently

Vitamin D levels are likely to be low over the winter and spring so consider whether you need to supplement. 2200IU daily was the recommendation but if you have a blood test or consider yourself at high risk of deficiency you may start with 4000IU until levels have risen sufficiently.

Zinc may be best taken as lozenges during Upper respiratory tract infections. Suck them slowly to allow the zinc to work in the mouth and throat but be aware that the Solgar lozenges are 22mg each so don’t eat too many! Make sure you suck them

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after a meal so they have more time to work in the area but also because some people find zinc on an empty stomach can cause nausea.

Beta Glucans. Solgar Beta 1,3 Glucans is standardised for 1,3 levels and also plays a role in cholesterol modulation.

Beta Glucans Elderberry Immune Complex provides 250mg of Beta Glucans (1,3 & 1,6) along with a high dose of Elderberry and nutrients.

Reishi shiitake maitake mushrooms have broad antimicrobial and immune supporting action but they are also known to protect the body cells and support liver cell health so they have a range of applications for example cardiovascular health, cholesterol and allergies

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Elderberry’s focuses on viruses and its ability to reduce viral replication. It also shows beneficial effects in non-flu viruses like Herpes and also acts against Helicobacter pylori. The antioxidant and nutritive support of elderberries is also helpful. Ester C is our patented vitamin C formula with improved absorption and utilisation abilities . Vitamin C helps the function of the WBC of the immune cells but also supports strong connective tissues around the body which makes it harder for some pathogens to get into the tissues. Super Cod Liver Oil provides vitamin A and fatty acids for structural support of mucous membranes in the respiratory and intestinal tracts along with vitamins D for immune support . Remember that most immune cells have receptors for vitamin D so you may wish to further supplement vitamin D in the winter months.Probiotics support the immune system through the Peyers patches. There is a direct relationship between levels of beneficial gut flora and immune function -the greater the numbers of gut flora, the better the immune response and if gut flora is compromised then so is immune response. The Solgar multibilliondophilus and Advanced 40+ both contain the patented Rhamnosus LGG used in the studies we reviewed.

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Thank you for being part of the Solgar training programme

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