One of the questions London Drugs pharmacists are most likely to hear during cold and flu season is, “Is there something I can take to stop me from getting a cold?” While medical experts agree that there is no guarantee for preventing winter ills, evidence is stacking up for the cold preventing properties of COLD-FX® and COLD-FX® Extra Strength.

The active ingredient in COLD-FX® products is a unique extract of polysaccharides (long-chain sugars) derived from North American ginseng. This has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to strengthen the immune system, thereby assisting the body to fight off the viruses that cause colds and flu. (The utilization of polysaccharides distinguishes COLD-FX® from other products derived from North American ginseng, which generally rely on standardized ginsenosides. The immune-enhancing action of polysaccharides has been shown to exert a more targeted influence over the immune components that actively fight the germs which cause the viral and bacterial infections commonly associated with the colder months.)

COLD-FX® undergoes vigorous testing to ensure every batch has consistent chemical identity and biological activity. Each capsule is standardized to provide consistency of dosage.

Impressive clinical trials

Clinical trials involving healthy individuals, athletes, seniors and children have been implemented using both COLD-FX® and COLD-FX® Extra Strength. Both dosages were confirmed to be safe, effective and well tolerated.

Preliminary results of a multi-centre controlled clinical trial demonstrate that COLD-FX® significantly supplements the effectiveness of influenza shots in seniors and reduces the incidence of colds and flu by one third. The trial involved 780 healthy seniors who had a flu shot just prior to the six-month treatment phase of the study. The trial was led by Dr. Gerald Predy, Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services. Commenting on the trial, Dr. Predy said, “Considering the risks that upper respiratory infections present to seniors in particular, it’s encouraging that the study showed greater protection when COLD-FX® is taken in addition to the flu shot.”

While clinical trials and studies help support claims for the effectiveness of COLD-FX®, the real story lies with the thousands of people who simply “wouldn’t be without it.” Repeat sales of COLD-FX® show that, for many Canadians, this formulation is a must during cold and flu season. COLD-FX® may be taken preventively on a long-term basis (two capsules a day) or at the onset of cold symptoms. COLD-FX® Extra Strength is intended to be used short-term at the first sign of a cold or the flu. Both formulations are non-drowsy. COLD-FX® may be used by adults and children 12 years of age or older.