Transfer Factor Institute

What Is Transfer Factor?

Transfer factor molecules function as a highly effective immune messaging system made up of small protein chains and other related compounds. Transfer factors occur in white blood cells of humans and animals. When foreign organisms are encountered by select immune cells they produce transfer factors specific to the invading organism. These transfer factors are then passed along to other immune cells "passing the message" of a foreign organism and the characteristics of the organism. Current research indicates that these immune compounds are identical from one species to another. Thus making it possible for transfer factors from cows and chickens to be beneficial in human health.

Transfer factors are designed by nature to transfer critical immune information. These compounds are most prevalent in colostrum and egg yolks. Through these two sources, all animals are given temporary immunity to all of the organisms to which their mothers have been exposed. This allows the young animal some protection until its immune system is more fully developed. Likewise, this temporary protection can be utilized by humans of any age.

How Does Transfer Factor Work?

Transfer factor is made up of three separate fractions that balance the immune system for a more effective immune response. The three fractions are the INDUCER, ANTIGEN SPECIFIC and SUPPRESSOR fractions. The inducer and antigen-specific fractions educate your naïve immune system about a present or potential danger and equip it with a plan of action. These fractions speed up the recognition of a threat, making the duration of an illness shorter, allowing your body to more quickly respond to similar health threats. Finally, the suppressor fraction is able to recognize the enemy’s defeat and then calm the immune system back to a normal level. Such effects may have particular importance in autoimmune disorders.
 
Unlike most immune supplements that only provide building blocks for proper immune function, transfer factor also provides immune intelligence. It is the immune information and education that helps to focus the immune system, keeping it on task and effective. 

When Was Transfer Factor Discovered?

Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence discovered transfer factor in 1949. During the process of studying tuberculosis, he discovered an immune response could be transferred from a donor to a recipient through an injection of an extract of leukocytes. Further investigation led him to conclude that this immune extract must contain “factors” that made it possible to transfer the donor’s immunity to the recipient. He called these molecules “transfer factors.”

What Is The Most Commonly Used Form of Transfer Factor?

Transfer factor can be sourced from white blood cells isolated from a suitable donor, cloned lymphocytes grown in vitro, colostrum and egg yolks. Of these, the most promising commercial sources are colostrum of milk cows and eggs laid by hens.

What Is The Difference Between Polyvalent and “Specific/Targeted” Transfer Factor?

Standard transfer factor preparations are polyvalent, or balanced preparations with no one transfer factor predominating. Polyvalent transfer factor supplements provide a broad spectrum of immune support.

While a “specific” transfer factor preparation continues to offer polyvalent benefits, it also provides one set of transfer factors that are targeted against a specific condition. Specific or targeted transfer factors are obtained by exposing a non-mammalian source animal to at least one antigenic agent that will cause said source to elicit a T-cell mediated immune response.

Is Transfer Factor Safe? 

Transfer factors are natural molecules and have been safely used in supplement form for many years. Throughout the history of transfer factors use, there have been no reports of serious adverse reactions, even when clinically administered in excess or with normal doses given over many years.

Who Can Use Transfer Factor?

People of all ages can use transfer Factor. Transfer factor was, in fact, designed by nature for newborns. People wishing to give transfer factor to infants and children under age 12 should work closely with a medical professional on deciding what dose to take. Typically, children do well with doses half that of the adult/label dose. Infants would require somewhat less. While there is no known toxicity to transfer factor, picking doses for younger children and infants should be done with prudence.

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