AHCC – Maximum Strength

AHCC increases the activity of your body’s first-line defenses. Swanson Maximum Strength AHCC is a proprietary extract of fungi in the Basidiomycetes family, enzymatically modified and co-cultured in a medium of rice bran extract. Basidiomycetes are a large classification of mushroom types that includes chanterelles, reishi, maitake, shiitake, turkey tail and tens of thousands of other species. Learn more about mushrooms for immune health.

AHCC is an extract obtained from a hybridization of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms used in traditional Japanese healing, cultured in a liquid medium. It provides activated hemicellulose, glycoproteins, amino acids and oligosaccharides with a unique alpha-1,4 glucan structure. AHCC has been extensively studied and is believed to stimulate receptors of immune cells in the gut to recognize and respond to foreign cells. It also shows promise for maintaining immune health in the face of seasonal challenges.

Higher doses of AHCC have been studied for proliferation and activation of immune cells-particularly the highly specialized dendritic cells, and specifically in older populations. Dendritic cells influence not only your innate response, but also the adaptive immune system by helping it to learn about new invaders. Higher doses may also benefit liver function, adding further immune protection by bolstering this important barrier that works to detect and dispose of foreign cells; additionally, your liver is home to many natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. 

Nutraceutical mushrooms are ancient supporters of the immune system as well as healthy aging and overall vitality. A natural source of potent antioxidants and protective beta glucans, they also deliver beneficial polysaccharides, along with important nutrients like copper, selenium and niacin.