Transfer factors that have been taken from humans seem to be safe when used for up to two years in adults.
Transfer factors that are taken from cows seem to be safe when used short-term, up to three months. They can cause fever in some people. Transfer factors given as a shot (by injection) can cause swelling and pain where the injection is given.
There is some concern about the possibility of catching “mad cow disease” (bovine spongiform encephalitis, BSE) or other diseases from products that come from animals. “Mad cow disease” has not been transmitted by transfer factor, but it is probably wise to avoid animal products from countries where mad cow disease has been found.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: The shot form of transfer factor from humans has been used with apparent safety in children for up to 6 years. Transfer factor from cows seems to be safe in children when given by mouth for up to six months.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of transfer factor during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Transfer factors are immune molecules that cause antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity, primarily delayed hypersensitivity and the production of lymphokines, as well as binding to the antigens themselves. They have a molecular weight of approximately 5000 Daltons and are composed entirely of amino acids.[1] Transfer factors were discovered by Henry Sherwood Lawrence.[2] They are promoted as being able to cure a variety of conditions, though they have not been proven to work.
| In 2004, the FDA issued a warning to the 4Life Research Company, marketers of the products "4Life Transfer Factor GluCoach," "BioGenistein Plus," and "Transfer Factor ReCall" (26). It found the company to be in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits the makers of dietary supplements from marketing them as a means of preventing, diagnosing, mitigating, treating or curing disease. |
Uses
Transfer factors have been promoted as a treatment for infectious disease, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis, asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has not been proven effective in the treatment of most of these conditions.[3][4][5][6] It may help immunize children against shingles[6] The United States Food and Drug Administration regulates transfer factors as a dietary supplement[3] and has issued a warning notice to a website selling transfer factors that they have not been proven to be effective or safe in the treatment of any condition, nor have there been any biological licenses or New Drug Applications produced for the substance.[7]
Side effects
Human-derived transfer factor appears to be safe for use (though ineffective) for up to two years and bovine-derived transfer factor for up to three months. Side effects include fever and swelling and pain at the injection site. Concern has been raised over the possibility of catching Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) or other diseases from animal-derived products. Transfer factors are contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Kirkpatrick CH (June 1993). "Structural nature and functions of transfer factors". Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 685: 362–8. PMID 8363241.
- ^ Al-Askari, S (2009). "Henry Sherwood Lawrence". Biographical Memoirs, Volume 90. National Academy of Sciences. pp. 237-255. ISBN 0309121485.
- ^ a b "Transfer Factor". Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center. 2009-10-08. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69399.cfm. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
- ^ Barrett, S (2007-03-28). "Be Wary of Multiple Sclerosis "Cures"". Quackwatch. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/ms.html. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ Ernst E, Schmidt K, Baum M (2006). "Complementary/Alternative therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials and a critique of current terminology". Breast J 12 (6): 526–30. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4741.2006.00340.x. PMID 17238981.
- ^ a b c "Transfer Factor". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1011-TRANSFER+FACTOR.aspx?activeIngredientId=1011&activeIngredientName=TRANSFER+FACTOR&source=2. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
- ^ Barrett, S (2005-06-02). "Warning Letter". Quackwatch. http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/2005/immunitytoday.shtml. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
External links
© Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_factor , licence: [CC-BY-SA 3.0 Deed]
(link : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
