Immunocal contains specific fragile proteins that supply your body with the building blocks needed for the production of glutathione in your cells. These building blocks are called "precursors" and glutathione precursors are relatively rare in our normal diets. Unfortunately, eating glutathione itself does not effectively raise glutathione in the cells; this is why we need the precursors. The Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada has issued an NPN (Natural Product Number) for the specific health claim "Immunocal is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system." (NPN-80004370)