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COLD-FX®
Curious about COLD-FX®? Learn more about the science behind the #1 pharmacist and doctor recommended natural cold remedy brand.
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COLD-FX® is nationally recognised and awarded the #1 Pharmacist & Doctor Recommended Natural Cold Remedy Brand.
COLD-FX® is a proud Canadian company that has been helping Canadians since 1993 with a portfolio of Natural Health products to support you during cold and flu season. COLD-FX® has products that you can take for the duration of cold and flu season or products at the onset of a cold and flu symptoms.
†COLD-FX® is Canada’s #1 Pharmacist Recommended Natural Cold Remedy Brand. Caddle Inc® 2021 Survey on Pharmacists Natural Cold Remedy Recommendations. The Medical Post and Profession Santé 2020 Survey on OTC Counselling and Recommendations (re: physicians).
What is COLD-FX®
COLD-FX® products contain a proprietary, naturally sourced North American ginseng extract, indicated to help reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold and flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System.
Each COLD-FX® capsule or chewable tablet contains CVT-E002®, a proprietary extract derived from the root of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Each batch of CVT-E002® is tested with ChemBioPrint® technology, a proprietary process that ensures consistency of our products from batch to batch.
COLD-FX® Daily Support with a clinically proven formula. It helps reduce the chance of catching cold and flu as it helps reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold and flu Symptoms by Boosting the Immune System. No other product in Canada is licensed to make the exact same claim COLD-FX® Daily Support makes. It also helps increase production of certain types of cytokines that may signal and activate the immune system in high performing athletes. The active ingredient is a proprietary, naturally sourced North American Ginseng Extract. COLD-FX® Daily Support is available in Regular Strength and Extra Strength and capsules and chewable tablets.
COLD-FX® First Signs and COLD-FX® First Signs Nighttime are Natural Health Products that for best results should be taken on the onset of cold and flu symptoms. COLD-FX® First Signs helps relieve symptoms of cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, and headache. For those looking for help sleeping when their cold and flu begins, COLD-FX® First Signs with Melatonin can help.
Travelers Choice Awards
2015 
#1 Pharmacist & Doctor Recommended
Since 2006 
How COLD-FX® works
Our immune system protects us from any foreign pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and more. There are 2 major parts to the immune system: Innate and Adaptive. The active ingredient in COLD-FX® Daily Support has been demonstrated in clinical study to increase the proportion of natural killer cells and T-helper cells1. These cells play an important role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. These molecules are “soldiers” of our immune “army” that fight against virus or bacteria.
Innate: The innate part of our immune system is the non-specific, first line of defence against infections. The innate immune response works within minutes to hours of infection.
Adaptive: The adaptive portion of our immune system is the “trained” part. When our body is exposed to a virus or bacteria, it remembers the encounter and develops specific cells and molecules that will rapidly fight off the same foreign agents when we encounter them again. This is also how vaccinations work.
CVT-E002®, the active ingredient in COLD-FX®, has been demonstrated in clinical studies to increase the proportion of natural killer cells and T-helper cells2. These cells play an important role in both the innate and adaptive immune response.
Natural Killer (NK) cells play a major role in the innate immune response. These cells are “soldiers” of our immune “army” that can identify host cells that have been infected by a virus or bacteria, etc. and fight against them. For example, when a cell is infected by a flu virus, NK cells will recognize the cell that has been compromised and initiate the destruction of this “rogue” cell.
T-helper cells (T-cells) are one of the most important cells in the adaptive immune response. These cells are crucial in achieving a regulated and effective immune response to foreign organisms or infected host cells.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which has many different strains that change year to year3.
The cold is caused by a different group of viruses, the most common one being rhinovirus4.
How Does the Flu Shot Work?
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the flu by stimulating our immune system to produce specific molecules, called antibodies, which provide protection against infection. Each year the flu vaccine is created with the influenza virus strains that research indicates will be the most common strain during the upcoming season.
The effectiveness of the flu shot is dependent on the successful prediction of the influenza strain that will be active that year. Studies show influenza vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by about 40% to 60% each year 5.
However, this effectiveness may vary from year to year. For example, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, the 2014-2015 flu shot was about 19% effective in preventing medical visits against all influenza across all age groups6.
What Makes COLD-FX® Unique?
COLD-FX® helps reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system. CVT-E002®is the clinically proven medicinal ingredient in COLD-FX®. It is obtained using a proprietary and standardized extraction technology. Every lot of CVT-E002® is tested using ChemBioPrint® (Chemical and Biological Finger Printing) technology.
ChemBioPrint® was developed with the contribution of a world-class team of scientists and international academic and research collaborators, to ensure consistent chemical identity and biological activity of herbal extracts and therefore, consistency and quality of the COLD-FX®products.
Every lot of CVT-E002® is rigorously tested before encapsulation. Its biological activity is confirmed with proprietary ChemBioPrint® technology to measure its efforts of the number of lymphocytes (immune system cells) using specially designed tests.
COLD-FX® Complements the Flu Shot
The flu shot is the single best defence against flu virus7. The flu shot gives our immune system a head start in the fight against flu season. When taken with a flu shot, COLD-FX® further reduces the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. A clinical study, evaluating the effectiveness of COLD-FX® in influenza-vaccinated adults (65+), showed COLD-FX® provides further reduction of cold and flu symptoms when taken with a flu shot8.
How Much COLD-FX® Should I Take and When?
To be sure these products are right for you, always read and follow your COLD-FX® product label.
It contains important information on dosing, recommended use, cautions, warnings and contraindications.
COLD-FX®(200 mg) Daily Support Capsules9 or Chewable Tablet10:
Children 12 years of age and older: Take 1 capsule/chewable tablet 2 times daily.
Adults: Take 1-2 capsules/chewable tablets 2 times daily, up to 9 capsules/chewable tablets per day.
COLD-FX®(300 mg) Capsules11:
Children 12 years of age and older: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily.
Adults: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily, up to 6 capsules per day
Citations
[1] Predy GN et al. Immune Modulating Effects of Daily Supplementation of COLD-FX (a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng) in Healthy Adults. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 39, 162-167, November 2006.
[2] Predy GN et al. Immune Modulating Effects of Daily Supplementation of COLD-FX (a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng) in Healthy Adults. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 39, 162-167, November 2006.
[3] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm . Accessed February 8, 2016.
[4] Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. “Common Cold.” Retrieved from: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/common_cold.html . Assessed February 9, 2016.
[5] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm . Accessed February 8, 2016.
[6] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6421a5.htm . Accessed February 8, 2016
[7] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm . Accessed February 8, 2016.
[8] McElhaney JE, Simor AE, McNail S and Predy GN. Efficacy and safety of CVT-E002, a proprietary extract of Panax quinquefolius in the prevention of respiratory infections in influenza-vaccinated community-dwelling adults: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Influenza Res and Treat 2011; 2011:1-8.
[9] NPN 80002849
[10] NPN 80069106
[11] NPN 80015586
The Cold-FX® Line
COLD-FX® Immune+ Plus
COLD-FX® Immune+ Plus helps support Immune function, energy metabolism, and prevents Vitamin D deficiency.
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COLD-FX® Daily Support
Take COLD-FX® Daily Support to help reduce the chance of catching cold and flu symptoms.
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COLD-FX® Chewable
COLD-FX® Chewables provides the same benefits as the Daily Support formula, but in a chewable format.
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COLD-FX® Extra Strength
Each COLD-FX® Extra Strength capsule contains 300 mg of the active ingredient CVT-E002®, which is uniquely derived from the root of Panax quinquefolius.
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COLD-FX® First Signs®
COLD-FX® First Signs® helps to relieve symptoms of: Sore throat, Fever, Cough, Headache, Runny nose and Fatigue.
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COLD-FX® First Signs® Nighttime
COLD-FX® First Signs® Nighttime is a Sleep Aid. This sleep aid formula helps relieve symptoms of sore throat, fever, cough, headache and runny nose and helps to relieve sleeplessness associated with common cold.
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Simply put, COLD-FX® prepares your internal defence system, to help you reduce the chance of catching cold and flu. Your immune system is composed of both the innate and adaptive immunity. The innate immunity is rapid and general, while the adaptive immunity is specific. CVT-E002®, the active ingredient in COLD-FX®, has been demonstrated in a clinical study to increase the proportion of Natural Killer cells and T-helper cells, important for both the innate and adaptive immune response 1.
Whether you are looking to reduce the chance of catching a cold or flu or to fight the first signs of a cold, COLD-FX® has you covered.
COLD-FX® Daily Support (200 mg) has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system in adults.
COLD-FX® Daily Support Capsule and COLD-FX® Chewable Tablet (NPN 80002849, NPN 80069106)
Children 12 years of age and older: Take 1 capsule/ chewable tablet 2 times daily. Adults: Take 1-2 capsules/ chewable tablets 2 times daily, up to 9 capsules/ chewable tablets per day.
COLD-FX® Extra Strength (NPN 80015586)
Children 12 years of age and older: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily. Adults: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily, up to 6 capsules per day.
COLD-FX® First Signs® helps to shorten the duration and relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as sore throat, fever, cough, headache, running nose and fatigue.
COLD-FX® First Signs Capsule (NPN 80052846)
Adults: Days 1 to 3: Take 2 capsules 3 times (total 6 capsules daily). Days 4 & 5: Take 1 capsule 3 times (total 3 capsules daily).
COLD-FX® First Signs Nighttime Capsule (NPN 80079567)
Adults: Take 2 capsules daily at or before bedtime. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking the medication.
The active ingredient in COLD-FX Daily Support, Extra Strength and Chewable Tablets is CVT-E002®. CVT-E002®is a proprietary, naturally sourced North American ginseng extract, that has undergone extensive clinical research indicated to help reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold and flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System.
The active ingredients in COLD-FX First Signs are: Andrographis, CVT-E002®, Echinacea and Zinc. Clinical studies have shown Andrographis helps shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections, relieving symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, fatigue, fever and headache, when take at the first signs of a cold or flu.
The active ingredients in COLD-FX First Signs Nighttime are: Andrographis, CVT-E002®, Ginger and Melatonin.
Individuals requiring anti-coagulant therapy such as warfarin should avoid use of COLD-FX®.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not recommended for individuals with impaired liver or renal function.
Individuals with known allergies to ginseng should avoid use of COLD-FX®.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you have diabetes.
COLD-FX® Daily Support comes in a smaller capsule than COLD-FX® Extra Strength and it is also available in a chewable tablet format. Each COLD-FX® Daily Support capsule or chewable tablet contains 200 mg of CVT-E002®, the active ingredient in COLD-FX®. COLD-FX® Extra Strength is formulated to provide 50% more of the active ingredient CVT-E002® per capsule (300 mg) than COLD-FX® Daily Support or COLD-FX® Chewable.
COLD-FX® Daily Support, COLD-FX® Chewable and COLD-FX® Extra Strength may be taken by adults and children 12 years of age and older during the cold and flu season to help reduce the chance of catching cold and flu symptoms. There are a variety of formats offered to allow you to choose the COLD-FX® product that best suits your needs. Always read and follow the label to be sure these products are right for you.
Several laboratory and clinical trials have revealed COLD-FX®’s safety profile. Known and defined side effects were not found to be associated with COLD-FX® recommended daily intake in clinical trials with healthy adults and seniors, however, to be safe, individuals with serious medical conditions or taking prescription medications should always consult a healthcare practitioner prior to taking COLD-FX®.
A number of studies, including both laboratory experiments and clinical trials, have shown that COLD-FX® has an immune modulating effect which helps reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system.
COLD-FX® has been tested in over six clinical trials involving 1,600+ subjects to evaluate its safety and efficacy. In these clinical studies, COLD-FX® has shown to be safe to use in its intended population. However, individuals with known allergies to ginseng should avoid use of COLD-FX® products. Furthermore, individuals with serious medical conditions or taking prescription medications should always consult a healthcare practitioner prior to taking COLD-FX®. Do not use the product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
COLD-FX® products are not recommended for individuals with impaired liver or renal function. Individuals requiring anti-coagulant therapy such as warfarin should avoid use of COLD-FX® products. Individuals should consult a healthcare practioner prior to use if they have diabetes. For more information on our products, please refer to the respective product pages on our website and follow the labels.
Unlike other ginseng products, which are mostly comprised of Asian ginseng, the active ingredient in COLD-FX®, CVT-E002®, is uniquely derived from the roots of North American ginseng Panax quinquefolius. It is an extract composed of polysaccharides that has a distinct chemical and biological profile and it has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to have the immune modulating effect.
CVT-E002® is naturally sourced and tested by a proprietary ChemBioPrint® technology. ChemBioPrint® was developed with the contribution of a world class team of scientists and international academic and research collaborators, to ensure consistent chemical identity and biological activity of herbal extracts and therefore, consistency and quality of the COLD-FX® products.
Each capsule/chewable tablet of COLD-FX® contains 200 mg (NPN 80002849, NPN 80069106) or 300 mg (NPN 80015586) of CVT-E002®.
CVT-E002® is also part of our COLD-FX® First Signs® products (NPN 80052846, NPN 80079567), formulated to be taken at the first signs of a cold, so you can continue taking CVT-E002® daily and enjoy its benefits even when you are sick!
Take COLD-FX® Daily Support, COLD-FX® Chewable or COLD-FX® Extra Strength daily throughout the cold and flu season to:
- Help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system.
- Help reduce overall symptoms of sore throat, fever, cough, headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, malaise, ear-aches and hoarseness.
- Provide further reduction of cold and flu symptoms when taken with a flu shot.
- Help increase production of certain types of cytokines that may signal and activate the immune system in high performing athletes.
Our COLD-FX® First Signs® portfolio (COLD-FX® First Signs® and First Signs® Nighttime) are natural health products that have been formulated to be taken at the first signs of a cold.
- COLD-FX® First Signs® Capsules combines four trusted ingredients that:
- Help to shorten the duration of the symptoms of cold and flu
- Help to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat, fever, cough, headache, runny nose and fatigue); and
- Help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system
- COLD-FX® First Signs® Nighttime is also a sleep aid and helps to relieve symptoms of sore throat, fever, cough, headache, runny nose and nausea
To date, over six clinical trials have been carried out on COLD-FX®. COLD-FX® has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system. It can be used for the duration of the cold and flu season.
The science of COLD-FX® is backed by:
- 10+ years of clinical research
- 6 published randomized controlled trials
- 18+ published articles studying the effects of CVT-E002®
- 1,600+ subjects enrolled in clinical studies with CVT-E002®
ChemBioPrint® stands for Chemical Biological Finger Printing, proprietary standardization technology used to ensure the quality of all ChemBioPrint® products. In the case of COLD-FX®, chemical fingerprinting confirms the chemical identity of the medicinal ingredient in COLD-FX®. Biological fingerprinting confirms the biological activity of CVT-E002® through a laboratory test protocol as a result, Bausch Health, Canada Inc. COLD-FX® undergoes vigorous testing to ensure that every batch has consistent chemical identity and biological activity.
COLD-FX® is the #1 Pharmacist & Doctor Recommended Natural Cold Remedy Brand in Canada for the past 14 years.2
Studies have not been conducted to assess the efficacy of COLD-FX® among children under the age of 12. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of this product for children in this age group.
COLD-FX® Daily Support, COLD-FX® Chewable and COLD-FX® Extra Strength are recommended for children over 12 years of age and adults. Our COLD-FX® First Signs® product line is recommended for adults to take at the first signs of a cold. For more information on our products, their recommended use and dosage, please check our product pages and product labels.
COLD-FX® Daily Support, COLD-FX® Chewables and COLD-FX® Extra Strength are comprised of poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides isolated from the roots of North American ginseng. This product does not contain gluten in its medicinal and non-medicinal ingredients. Please see allergen information for this product for more details.
COLD-FX® Daily Support, COLD-FX® Chewable and COLD-FX® Extra Strength should be taken twice daily, during the cold and flu season to help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system.
With our proprietary extraction and production process and quality product testing, COLD-FX® helps boost your immune system to reduce frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. Because a strong immune system is the best self defence.
COLD-FX is made in Canada and is a proud Canadian company. COLD-FX’s active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is sourced from China. The API is extracted and manufactured under strict Quality Assurance standards of cleaning, sterilization and full laboratory testing. Moreover, our API supplier has been undertaking additional precautionary measures designed to ensure the quality of the API.
The efficacy and safety of COLD-FX® is backed by 10+ years of clinical research and 6 published clinical trials. These studies showed that COLD-FX Daily Support, Extra Strength, and Chewable tablets helps reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold & flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System. COLD-FX Daily Support, Extra Strength and Chewable tablets can be taken throughout cold and flu season.
At the first symptoms of a cold and flu you can take COLD-FX First Signs to help shorten the duration and relieve symptoms of cold/flu.
Individuals with known allergies to ginseng should avoid using COLD-FX® products. To be sure this product is right for you, always read and follow the label.
COLD-FX effectiveness has not been studied in individuals who have COVID-19 or as preventative for COVID-19. COLD-FX helps reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold and flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the appropriate health authorities and your health care provider.
No, COLD-FX is not a placebo. COLD-FX contains the active ingredient, CVT-E002®, which is uniquely derived from the root of Panax quinquefolius (North American ginseng). It’s indication, to help reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of cold and flu symptoms by Boosting the Immune System is backed by 6 published clinical trials, 10+ years of clinical research, and 18+ published articles studying the active ingredient in COLD-FX.
Citations
[1] Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin RE et al . Immune modulating effects of daily supplementation of COLD-FX® (a proprietary extract of North American ginseng) in healthy adults. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2006;39:162-7
[2] Canadian Healthcare Network. “2015 Counselling and Recommendations Survey.” Extrait de : http://www.canadianhealthcarenetwork.ca/otc2015/pharmacists-physicians . Consulté le 8 février 2016.
[3] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Extrait de : http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm . Consulté le 19 février 2016.
[4] McElhaney JE, Simor AE, McNeil S et al. Efficacy and safety of CVT-E002®, a proprietary extract of panax quinquefolius in the prevention of respiratory infections in influenza-vaccinated community-dwelling adults: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Influenza Res Treat 2011;2011:1-8.
Our beginnings
In 1993, a team of researchers from the University of Alberta, led by Dr. Jacqueline Shan, dedicated their efforts to applying the rigor of the scientific method to traditional herbal medicine. They developed a proprietary extraction technology called Chemical and Biological Fingerprinting, or ChemBioPrint®, a process to identify and isolate the active ingredients in natural health products. Extensive laboratory and clinical testing ultimately led to the development of COLD-FX®.
Our Philosophy
Our body has the natural capacity to defend itself, but sometimes it needs a little bit of help.
You deserve to have the best available products to support your immune system during cold and flu season to reduce your chance of catching a cold or flu and we are dedicated to leveraging the best ingredients and technologies. From our inception, we have been committed to producing high-quality products in Canada.
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Efficacy and quality is paramount in order to build trust so you can have the peace of mind of what you are purchasing and putting into your body. As one of the first natural health products approved to reduce Frequency, Severity and Duration of colds and flu by Boosting the Immune System in Canada, we have taken the time and care with rigorous clinical studies.
We deploy extensive laboratory testing through our proprietary testing methods to ensure every item we produce is of high quality. As a proud Canadian company COLD-FX® is produced in our state of the art GMP manufacturing plant in Steinbach Manitoba.
Healthcare has evolved from a medical model to a more holistic approach to well being. People don’t just want to treat symptoms, they want to take an active role and COLD-FX® wants to be your partner. COLD-FX® wants to be your partner in having the best cold and flu season, allowing you to experience it the way you want to.
We believe knowledge is power and that is why we take great pride in producing the In the Zone E-Newsletters. These E-Newsletters are written featuring editorials by experts on Immune Health to help provide tips and tricks to help you along with active living.
Life is all about trade-offs, but your health should not be one of them. We feel we a have huge responsibility to help Canadians with their Immune System, and we’re proud of the role we play.
