TRANSFER FACTOR: Providing Your Immune System with a Memory © Paula Rothstein

"As we face the new millennium, we must renew our commitment to the prevention and control of infectious diseases, recognizing that the competition between humans and microbes will continue long past our lifetimes and those of our children." Jeffrey P. Koplan,Former Director, CDC

The situation is serious. Our immune systems have been compromised by environmental pollutants, overuse of antibiotics in medicine, pharmaceutical drugs, a nutrient poor diet of over-processed food containing carcinogens, pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics (as found in dairy and meat products) – add this to an overstressed and inactive lifestyle and you can certainly understand how we have arrived at this place of uncertainty. No longer can we point to the longevity of our grandparents to demonstrate our “sturdy genes” and expect the same sort of outcome. We are the guardians of our health now and must take this personal responsibility very seriously as we face new threats against our immune system.

If you have a hard time believing that the immune system has been so severely compromised, I encourage you to consider the following health statistics:

· Autoimmunity is the major cause of serious chronic diseases.
· Approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases.
· There are over 80 autoimmune diseases. These include lupus, type I diabetes, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, chronic active hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, myasthenia gravis, myositis, Sjogren's syndrome, uveitis, polymyositis, and Raynaud's phenomenon.

According to the Center for Disease Control:

· Over 7 million people have diabetes
· Over 68 thousand die from diabetes each year.
· Cancer continues to be the 2nd leading cause of death,taking the lives of over 550,000 people annually.

"If cancer rates follow current patterns, we anticipate a doubling from 1.3 million people in 2000 to 2.6 million people in 2050 diagnosed with cancer,"said Holly L. Howe, Ph.D., executive director of NAACCR.

· Heart disease is the number one killer in the US.
· More than 720,000 people die of coronary heart disease annually.
· The increase in individuals being diagnosed with heart disease has accelerated in the past few years. Last year the number reached 21 million.
· Medical professionals estimate that as many as 80 million individuals have some form of heart disease (including high cholesterol).

You are probably wondering what you can do to turn this situation around when so many factors which are out of your control are working against you everyday.

The most important thing you can do is to improve your immune system so that it will remain strong against attack by an infectious organism. To that end there is a powerful product capable of providing the body with exceptional strength. Results of an independent study conclusively demonstrated the ability of a product called 4Life Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula to boost Natural Killer Cell activity by an outstanding 437%.

The following is offered as a thorough examination of this unique product.

What is Transfer Factor?

“The uniqueness of 4Life Transfer Factor is that it not only supports, but also educates our immune system in a way that no other supplement can" --William Hennen, Ph, D.

Transfer factor is the most exciting health discovery in recent decades. Transfer factors are small immune messenger molecules that are produced by higher organisms. Their role is to transfer immune recognition signals between immune cells and thereby assist in educating naive immune cells about a present or potential danger.

In the harsh and hostile environment in which a baby suddenly finds itself, invading microorganisms could rapidly overcome and destroy the new life. Nature has provided a procedure to rapidly educate the infant's naive immune system. Prior to delivering a baby, the expectant mother prepares a natural immunizing cocktail that she includes in the first milk (colostrum) she provides to her new baby. Transfer factor is a key part of this process.

Dr. C. H. Kirkpatrick determined that transfer factors were small peptides of about eight amino acid residues. Eighteen different amino acids have been represented which may combine to create billions of different transfer factors. These very small transfer factor molecules contain the essence of the immunological message.

Transfer factors do not elicit an allergic response and are not species-specific. What this means is that transfer factors produced by a cow are just as effective in humans as they would be in another cow. This exciting ability could spark a revolution in medicine and has prompted the following statement: "Transfer factor [has] an important role to play in modern medicine which, from AIDS to Ebola, faces the emergence of new viruses or the resurfacing of old pathologies such as tuberculosis."

Transfer factor have been successfully used to treat the following diseases:

viral
fungal
neurological
parasitic
malignant diseases
autoimmune

Overview of the Immune System

The immune system is a multifaceted system comprised of more than a trillion cells, with a collective weight of about 1 kg (2.2 pounds). There are three essential properties of the immune system: first, it has the ability to recognize alien substances such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites; second, it specifically reacts to each invading pathogen; and third, the immune system remembers the alien invader and quickly repels future invasions.

Many infectious agents mutate readily, thereby presenting a different appearance to the immune system. This is the reason that we are repeatedly susceptible to viral infections such as colds and flues. Some parasites also rapidly mutate to evade our immune defenses. This is the reason for the cyclical flare-ups experienced by malaria victims. Each mutation that alters the appearance of the virus or parasite must be dealt with by a separate immune response.

Within the immune system there are two separate responses to abnormal or foreign substances. The first response is called the humoral immune reaction which involves the production of immunoglobulins, often referred to as "antibodies." The second response is the cellular immune response, or cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This response depends on communication between various types of immune system cells (lymphocytes).

Transfer Factor and the Immune Function

To communicate between cells, the immune system employs hormone-like signal substances. Transfer factors are one class of immune communication substances that have been recently discovered.

An immature immune response may take 10-14 days to fully develop. This is what is called delayed hypersensitivity. Such a delay is not always healthy, as can be attested to by anyone who has fought a cold or flu for two weeks or more. Transfer factors can help because they include both inducer/helper functions (Inducer Factors) and a suppressor function (Suppressor Factor). The Inducer Factor is the transfer factor component that translates an apparently mature immune response from the donor to the recipient. Transfer factors have been shown to induce an immune response in less than 24 hours. Nevertheless, an overactive immune response to innocuous agents such as pollens or even our own body cells is not healthy. Suppression of such overreactions helps to control allergies and to prevent autoimmune diseases. Thus, both Inducer Factor and Suppressor Factor are part of an immunoregulatory network that keeps our immune system balanced.

Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, is a rich source of transfer factors.11 The role of the transfer factors in colostrum is to imprint on the infant immune system the recognition codes it needs to identify pathogens as hostile invaders. In an infant, initial immunity is established rapidly if the baby is allowed to nurse. Infants who are not breast-fed consistently show a greater susceptibility to infections and allergies.

The immunoglobulins found in colostrum can (and do) cause allergic reactions in other species. They are the source of most cow-milk allergies in humans. Transfer factors, on the other hand, are not allergenic. In addition, as would be expected from the discovery of transfer factors in colostrum, it has been shown that transfer factors are equally effective whether administered by injection or taken orally. It has also been shown that a long-term oral administration of transfer factor preparations is safe. Infants and the elderly are the two groups especially at risk for infections. Oral administration of transfer factor is convenient and easily accepted by these age groups.

The History of Transfer Factor

Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence discovered that an immune response could be transferred from a donor to a recipient by injecting an extract of leucocytes.6 The extract was postulated to contain a factor capable of transferring the donor's immunity to the recipient. Lawrence called this substance transfer factor, the term now used by scientists.

Thousands of papers have been published on the use of transfer factors. Early on, results were erratic--everything from a complete and miraculous cure to a complete and total failure could be expected. The promise of transfer factor as the answer to all our immunological problems seemed too good to be true. A number of conditions were working against scientists that were exploring the potential of transfer factor. Three of these conditions are especially noteworthy: 1) complexity, 2) quality control, and 3) conventional bias.

Transfer Factor extracts are complex, containing an estimated 200 or more individual transfer factors; not a single chemical entity like a standard pharmaceutical drug. Just as in nature, synergy between parts is the key. Separating natural products into their individual components often diminishes either efficacy (as in the case of St. John's wort and hypericum) or safety (as in the case of foxglove and digitalis). This may also be true for transfer factors. Indicative of this is the recent discovery of two, new, potent, transfer factor molecules, IMREG I and IMREG II.17 Each of these molecules has its own specific function and purpose in a balanced immune system.

The second hurdle that had to be overcome was one of quality control. No reliable assay was available to test whether the extract was properly prepared. This problem was overcome by Wilson and Fudenberg, who were issued a patent for their discovery.

The third issue is a matter of intellectual bias, often seen when a new concept or discovery is introduced. The idea of transfer factors simply flies in the face of conventional immunology. We could draw a parallel between medieval biases and those of today. In the 14th century, the Black Plague killed a quarter of the European population.19 Attempts to deal with the Plague were blocked by superstitious adherence to conventional beliefs. Similarly, the progress of transfer factor research has been inhibited by the conventional dogmas of immunology. Even now this bias stifles progress that could be made in critical areas. In a recent international symposium on transfer factors, Dr. D. Viza stated the following:

"At the end of the 20th century, the triumph of biology is indisputable. . . . However, the triumph of biological science is far from being complete. The toll of several diseases, such as cancer, continues to rise and the pathogenesis of AIDS remains elusive."

In the realm of inductive science, the dominant paradigm can seldom be challenged in a frontal attack, especially when it is apparently successful, and only what Kuhn calls 'scientific revolutions' can overthrow it. Thus, it is hardly surprising that the concept of transfer factor is considered with contempt . . . [since] its putative mode of action contravenes dogmas of both immunology and molecular biology. And when facts challenge established dogmas, be [it] in religion, philosophy or science, they must be suppressed . . . because they challenge the prevalent paradigm. However, when observations pertain to lethal disorders, their suppression in the name of dogmas may become criminal. Because of the failure of medical science to manage the AIDS pandemic, transfer factor, which has been successfully used for treating or preventing viral infections, may today overcome a priori prejudice and rejection more swiftly. Emerging strains of new, antibiotic-resistant "super-bugs" are a global problem. Over a dozen new food borne pathogens have been identified in the last twenty years. The American Society for Microbiology lamented that the spirit of cooperation and trust needed to deal with these problems appears to be lacking.

Just as clear evidence suggested a solution in dealing with the Black Plague, so too clear evidence indicates a potential solution to our modern plagues. We must take individual responsibility for our own health by strengthening our immune systems. This is the most critical health issue we face and transfer factor can play a major role in maintaining our immediate and long-term health.

Transfer Factor Natural Immune Booster

"Scientists and health experts have long recognized the immune system's role in preserving good health. But the revolutionary discovery of "transfer factor" has essentially filled in a missing element of immune function. In this booklet, Dr. William Hennen examines how transfer factor cells from outside sources can provide the human body with valuable and new information about invading diseases. He also reviews the recent research, its safety and possible use."

Transfer Factor Patent Holder Comments:

"We know transfer factor’s history of safety. Chang, at the Wadley Institute of Molecular Medicine in Texas, injected humongous amounts of transfer factor in people just to prove that it was safe. He went way overboard to prove safety. The nice thing about transfer factor, when prepared in the way it will be distributed by 4Life™, it evokes no immune response against it by the recipient, and there’s no problem about immune complex diseases and it’s, therefore, much safer."

"Through the research that Dr. Wilson and I have done in the development and characterization of Colostral TF, we have patented this technology. This patent includes the manufacture and use of Colostral TF, and this patent has been licensed to 4 Life."

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Carol Ann Ryser, M.D. – The following is an excerpt of the interview:

Since 1998, Dr. Carol Ann Ryser has been using Transfer Factor to treat her chronically ill patients, and has experienced considerable success in diminishing symptoms and achieving overall health improvements among those patients. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Ryser discusses her experience with Transfer Factor as an effective treatment for chronic illness.

Dr. Ryser: "The diagnosis of a patient is of utmost importance. I perform a series of genetic testing with PCR (Polymer Chain Reaction) that tells me the specific bacteria or virus(es) a patient has. Transfer Factor helps with viral, bacterial, and fungal infections as well as parasites, and supports the immune system while treating the problems a patient has. Regarding what formulas of Transfer Factor I use for different patients, I use the plain Transfer Factor as a general prevention treatment, especially for infections and allergies and for patients with Epstein-Barr, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."

Q: How much Transfer Factor do you typically recommend, and for what kind of patient?

Dr. Ryser: "For chronically ill patients, including those with chronic sinusitis, and multiple allergies, I recommend six capsules a day, and depending on the severity of their symptoms, I might recommend up to twelve capsules a day. For Epstein-Barr patients, I typically recommend three capsules a day of Formula 540 for adults, taken morning or evening as they prefer, because it can make them tired. For children ages 7-12 or 13, depending on weight, I will recommend two capsules a day, to be taken at bedtime.

When a patient is beginning to get sick and is coming down with a fever, I will have them take two capsules every 2-3 hours, for 24 hours, and that usually knocks the virus "off its socks," so to speak. This dosage of Transfer Factor can nip a fever in the bud, by supporting the immune system’s natural killer cells.

I also treat fibromyalgia patients with Transfer Factor. I believe that fibromyalgia is most commonly caused by infections, including bacteria, yeast, and parasites. For chronically ill patients dealing with multiple infections, including CNS (Central Nervous System) infections and gastrointestinal infections, I recommend several different Transfer Factor formulas, to be taken together."

Q.: How long does it usually take for a patient to experience positive results once they start taking Transfer Factor?

Dr. Ryser: "My patients usually start to feel better within 3-6 months of beginning treatment with Transfer Factor. Dramatic results usually manifest in about one year, but we really begin to see positive changes in 5-6 months. It typically takes about a year of Transfer Factor treatment to really turn a patient around. I am specifically referring to chronically ill patients who have an average of 2-7 chronic infections that require treatment. The body’s cells regenerate every six months, and you need to give the body a chance to generate healthy cells before dramatic improvements in a patient’s overall health can emerge."

Q.: What, if any, are the side effects or possible negative reactions that can occur with Transfer Factor therapy?

Dr. Ryser: "The initial reactions to Transfer Factor a patient will experience are similar to a vaccination – but without, of course, exposure to the pathogen. The initial reaction typically includes flu-like symptoms, proportionate to the severity of a patient’s illness. These flu-like symptoms go away, but they prove that the immune system has been activated, and that it is working to suppress the body’s infections.

Regarding the safety of Transfer Factor, I have never had a problem with negative side effects or adverse reactions. However, I am very cautious. I perform careful evaluations of a patient’s immune system. I check for viral leukemia, and so forth. I am very careful with cancer and autoimmune patients, with whom you must be cautious with regard to stimulating immune cells – this is particularly the case with Hodgkins Disease and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma patients."

Q.: What have you found to be the most positive benefits of Transfer Factor for your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients – what are the best results you have seen?

Dr. Ryser: "The patient stops getting sick, and they don’t have any more infections. Their cognitive thinking clears up – no more brain fog. Their energy comes back – they can start doing more, and they can start walking and exercising again. They don’t suffer relapses. However, when a patient is doing well and they make the personal decision to stop taking Transfer Factor, I have seen relapses. I strongly recommend that a patient takes Transfer Factor for life – that is, it is a lifetime commitment for my chronically ill patients."

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