Natural health products are growing in popularity, likely due to their generally strong safety profiles and wide-ranging impact on the body.
Before starting any supplement, it is important to know if it’s right for you.
AHCC® is a powerful immune support derived from medicinal mushrooms. Papillex has recently added AHCC® to our HPV arsenal and wanted to lay out everything you should know before jumping on this supplement train!
What is AHCC®?
AHCC® stands for active hexose correlated compound, a nutritional supplement derived from the medicinal mushroom, shiitake. After being used for many years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and medical practices in countries like Japan, AHCC® is recently being adopted globally for its immune-modulating activities. Several clinical research studies have found the compound to be effective as both a therapeutic and preventative immune support.
Interested in learning more? We have laid out everything you need to know about supplementing AHCC® so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Is AHCC® safe?
One of the magical things about medicinal mushrooms is that they are generally safe and well-tolerated in most individuals when taken in the appropriate dose. AHCC® has been tested in individuals in dosages up to 9 grams. Overall, findings have shown AHCC® to be safe with only some reports of mild nausea, headaches, and diarrhea.
AHCC® has also been found to be well-tolerated alongside other medications, including being used as an adjunctive in chemotherapy. It is important to note that the compound may interfere with drugs metabolized using the CYP450 2D6 pathways and should not be combined with drugs such as doxorubicin or ondansetron.
Despite the compound’s strong safety record, there is still a lot to learn about the fungi. Research has mostly evaluated the use of AHCC® in patients with cancer, influenza, and viral infections. The compounds’ immune-boosting properties could potentially be too stimulating in individuals with immune-related disorders such as MS, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis that present with immune activation.
AHCC® Dosage for HPV
Typically, a dose of 1-3 grams of AHCC® is recommended for general immune support in patients with HPV. Higher doses of 3-6 grams daily are typically used in cancer patients.
Two clinical trials, conducted by Dr. Judith A. Smith, have specifically evaluated the use of AHCC® in individuals with persistent high-risk HPV infections. The first study included ten female participants, using a dose of 3 grams daily for 5 weeks up until 6 months. The second study included another ten females but used a dose of 1 gram daily. Both groups found AHCC® to be more effective than controls at eliminating the infection, however, the 3-gram dose was slightly more effective.
How to take AHCC®?
AHCC® by Papillex comes in pills of 500mg. For general use, we recommend taking 2 capsules in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating.
Why take AHCC® on an empty stomach?
We recommend taking AHCC® without food because most clinical studies have evaluated AHCC® on an empty stomach. We also know that taking some supplements away from food can help increase the absorption of the compound into the bloodstream, ensuring optimal therapeutic effect. However, some patients may experience nausea or have difficulty taking supplements without food. In which case, taking AHCC® with a light meal or a small amount of food will still allow for absorption.
Consistency is important for the compound to have its intended effect. It can be helpful to set a designated time to take your supplements. It can also help to pair it with another daily activity, like when you brush your teeth in the morning. Setting an alarm or having your supplements in a visible, easily accessible space can also be helpful for maintaining consistency.
Can I take AHCC® together with Papillex™?
AHCC® and Papillex™ can be taken together for added immune support. Papillex™ helps restore nutrient deficiencies that may be low in individuals with HPV. Papillex™ also contains immune-supportive herbs like astragalus and reishi. AHCC® is a powerful immune support, providing additional support in helping identify and clear viral infections.
Duration – How long do I need to be on this supplement?
AHCC® can be taken as a daily supplement in lower dosages of 1 gram per day to help support general immune function. For higher dosing of 3-6 grams, it is recommended to only supplement for 3-6 months. After 3-6 months, you can reduce the dose to 1-3 grams daily. Research studies have not evaluated the long-term use of AHCC®, therefore we cannot say whether it is safe to take for years on years.
How do you find out more and if it’s right for you?
Despite the compound’s strong safety profile, we are all unique individuals.
We recommend consulting a healthcare professional before supplementing AHCC®. Naturopathic doctors, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, and Functional Medicine doctors are often more informed about nutritional and herbal supplements and may be more suited to answer your questions about AHCC® and whether it is right for you.
