Is AHCC Dangerous?

AHCC, also known as active hexose correlated compound, is derived from the roots of mushrooms and is generally taken as a supplement for immune system support.

While AHCC is relatively new to the Western world, it has been used in places such as Japan for decades as a part of a holistic approach to health. People take AHCC sometimes for months and even years for maximum effectiveness.

For decades, researchers and scientists have studied the effects of AHCC on the body and believe that it may help boost immunity and ward off viruses like the flu and the common cold. It’s also thought that AHCC can increase defense against cancerous cells and help with other ailments like inflammatory bowel disease and liver damage.

But, is AHCC safe to take?

The research is continuing, but from preliminary studies, we find that AHCC is generally safe to take. And, it supports a healthy immune system and is easy on the digestive system. There are a few side effects, but these are mild and atypical.

AHCC Stimulates Immune Response

When you get sick, your immune system responds by locating and reacting with bad cells.

AHCC stimulates the immune system response by encouraging the production, coordination, and distribution of defensive cells and molecules.

Yes. Your body naturally creates and distributes antibodies. But, sometimes it may not be strong enough. That’s why it’s important to address your immune system health through diet, exercise, and supplements as needed.

AHCC supports:

• T cells
• Natural killer (NK) cells
• Cytokines
• Dendritic cells
• Macrophages

These important cells and molecules work throughout your innate and adaptive immune systems to seek and destroy foreign substances that are attacking your body. Cytokines and dendritic cells are great at signaling your immune response, and T cells, NK cells, and macrophages are the soldiers that find and destroy invaders.

Many people ingest AHCC supplements exactly for this reason. People who are concerned about liver or immune diseases may decide to begin a regimen with AHCC. This regimen can maintain healthy immunity and may help destroy cells that cause cancer and tumors in the body.

By taking AHCC daily, you are preparing your body for the foreign invasion of viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other bad actors.

AHCC Is Easy on the Body

Taken in measured doses, AHCC benefits the immune system and is easy on the body.

And, the general public should not worry too much about the effects of taking AHCC. As AHCC is derived from naturally occurring mushroom roots (sometimes from the shiitake mushrooms that we all enjoy eating), it is easier for your body to break down and absorb than synthetic alternatives.

Also, distributors of AHCC know how much is beneficial per dose. Just like with all commercial supplements, AHCC is created in a pill form designed for daily consumption. And, many people who enjoy its benefits take it for 6 months or longer. 

Should I Take AHCC?

While it is generally safe to take AHCC, it’s always important to consider how an additional supplement may interact with other drugs.

AHCC is taken in pill form as a supplement. Just like with all drugs and supplements, you need to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding and want to take AHCC.

Researchers have discovered a few possible side effects of taking AHCC. Some of these include mild fatigue, itching, and stomach reactions such as bloating and diarrhea. It can also increase your body temperature depending on a variety of factors.

Typically, people do not experience side effects from ingesting AHCC.

It’s a safe bet to speak with your pharmacist or doctor about the way AHCC may interact with your current medications, especially if you are taking certain types of liver medications.

AHCC Works

Overall, AHCC is easy on the body. It is safe to take AHCC for almost anyone.

Clinical research is still happening today. For 20+ years, both animal and human trials show how AHCC is not a dangerous supplement to take for a large portion of the population.

AHCC is commonly used as a supplement to your natural health regimen. For Japanese citizens, AHCC is used in alternative medicine and is taken regularly by many people. The popularity of AHCC in Western countries has steadily increased over the years.

People who take AHCC normally take it for months at a time, usually once per day. Doses tend to be between 4.5 and 6 grams daily. But, if you enjoy the benefits of AHCC in your alternative medicine routine, you may decide to add it to your daily regimen and take it for years. For long-term usage, most people lower their dosage to three grams daily.

Your body needs a strong immune system. AHCC can be there to stimulate effective responses against viruses, bad bacteria, and other harmful agents attempting to weaken your health.