Immune & Anti-Inflammatory
Thymulin
FTS · facteur thymique sérique · zinc-thymulin
What it is
Thymulin is a nine-amino-acid peptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells. Active only when bound to zinc — without zinc, no biological activity. Levels decline with age. Studied for immune support in older adults and immune-compromised patients.
How it works
Promotes T-cell maturation in the thymus, particularly the conversion from immature thymocytes to functional T-cells. Adequate dietary zinc is essential for thymulin function. Some anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects via opioid pathways.
Benefits
- T-cell maturation support
- Immune restoration in older adults
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Possible analgesic effects
- Recovery support after stress/illness
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Subtle immune effects.
- Week 4–8
- Cumulative T-cell normalization.
Dosing & titration
Standard dose200–500 mcg subQ, 2–3x weekly
Cycle length8–12 weeks
When to titrate upLimited human dose-response data; ensure adequate dietary zinc.
Side effects & risks
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- Limited safety data outside research settings
Requires adequate zinc. Pair with dietary zinc (15–30 mg/day) for activity.
Typical price
$80–$150/moLimited availability.
Studies
- Search PubMed for thymulin — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.