L-Theanine Offsets Age-Impaired Immunity

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L-Theanine Offsets Age-Impaired Immunity and Boosts Flu Fighting Ability

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Byron s, CCN

http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/l-theanine_offsets_age-impaired\

_immunity_and_boosts_flu_fighting_ability/

Older mice supplemented with L-theanine and L-cystine for 10 days and then

exposed to flu had significantly lower lung flu infections than controls.

The combination directly boosted the level of cellular glutathione (GSH) in

immune cells, enabling them to function as if the animals were much younger.

In a separate test the combination also boosted the antibody production in

response to immunization. While I am not an immunization fan, it is clear

that those who would like one, especially if elderly, could get a better

response to the vaccine by using these nutrients for 2 weeks prior to the

vaccine.

The typical supplement form of L-cystine that is used to support GSH

production is NAC (N-acetyl-cystine). This is the first study to show the

synergistic immune advantage of combining a popular antioxidant with

L-theanine for an improved immune response. The researchers believe that

taking these nutrients " enhances immune function and GSH synthesis

compromised with advanced age, and may become a useful strategy in healthy

aging. "