Epicor Ingredient May Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Source: MA Moyad et al., "Immunogenic Yeast-Based Fermentation Product Reduces Allergic Rhinitis-Induced Nasal Congestion," Advances in Therapy, vol. 26, no. 8 (August 2009): 795-804.

EpiCor, a proprietary immune-balancing ingredient from supplier Embria Health Sciences (Ankeny, IA), was found to significantly reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, in a study led by Mark A. Moyad, director of preventive and alternative medicine, department of urology, at the University of Michigan Medical Center (Ann Arbor, MI).

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested 96 healthy subjects with recent histories of seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis (AR). The study was conducted over a 12-week period during the highest concentrations of total pollen counts in the Midwest United States.

The subjects were given either a once-daily 500-mg dose of EpiCor, which is a dried, modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae oral fermentation product; or placebo. Results were measured with in-clinic examinations, validated questionnaires and diaries, and serologic analysis at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks.

The study found that EpiCor significantly reduced the severity of specific AR symptoms, including nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, or runny nose.

"With approximately 25% of the world's population suffering from allergies, these results are incredibly relevant," said Stuart Reeves, PhD, one of the study's authors and the director of research and development for Embria Health Sciences. "This study shows that EpiCor has strong potential as an all-natural option for both addressing allergies and balancing the immune system."

"When out of balance, the immune system fails to protect the body. An overstimulated immune system may result in allergies by mistaking harmless environmental substances such as pollen for an attacking parasite," says Larry Robinson, PhD, vice president of scientific affairs for Embria and one of the study's primary researchers.

The researchers also pointed out that many people with allergies cite dissatisfaction with numerous conventional medications, due primarily to a lack of efficacy on nasal congestion, as well as cost and safety issues.

Grape Extract May Benefit Athletes

Sources: S Lafay et al., "Grape extract improves antioxidant status and physical performance in elite male athletes," Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, vol. 8, no. 3 (September 2009): 468–480.

Supplementation with Powergrape, a proprietary red grape extract from ingredient supplier Naturex (Avignon, France), was found to enhance antioxidant status and physical performance in male athletes, according to a clinical study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study tested 20 male athletes from a variety of sports, including handball, basketball, sprinting, and volleyball.

After the subjects underwent one month of daily supplementation with 400 mg of Powergrape, the scientists observed antioxidant improvements in the athletes' bodies, determined by ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) measurements. They also noted a reduction of oxidative stress induced by physical exercise.

"Excessive physical exercise overproduces reactive oxygen species. Even if elite sportsmen increase their antioxidant status by regular physical training, during the competition period, this improvement is not sufficient to limit free radical production, which could be detrimental to the body," wrote the researchers.

The scientists also found a reduction of cell damage in muscle and plasma during physical exercise, which was suggested by a decrease of creatine phosphokinase and an increase in hemoglobin concentrations in plasma.

A physical test also affirmed an increase in athletic performance.

According to Naturex, Powergrape, derived from Bordeaux grapes, has a unique composition of polyphenols and is the only plant extract from the grape capable of protecting against oxidative stress and muscle damage. Powergrape has received Informed-Sport certification and as such is regularly tested for World Anti-Doping Agency-banned substances.

Promitor Fiber May Boost Digestive Health

Source: K Maki et al., "Beneficial effects of resistant starch on laxation in healthy adults," International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, vol. 60, no. S4 (2009): 296-305, published online August 2009.

Incorporating 25 g per day of Promitor resistant-starch fiber in the diet may promote regularity in healthy adults, without producing significant gastrointestinal side effects, according to a study led by researchers at Provident Clinical Research and Consulting Inc. (Glen Ellyn, IL), a contract clinical research firm.

Promitor is a type-3 insoluble resistant-starch dietary fiber trademarked by ingredients company Tate & Lyle (Decatur, IL).

The randomized, double-blind crossover trial tested the effects of Promitor and wheat bran consumption on fecal weight, frequency, and consistency. The study tested 14 healthy adults.

During a 14-day baseline period, the subjects were fed a low-fiber (less than 2 g) daily diet. Following this period, the participants were then given either 25 g of Promitor or wheat bran for 14 days.

After this period, the subjects underwent a seven-day washout period before switching, for the next 14 days, to the opposite treatment (e.g., those who previously received Promitor were then given wheat bran in the following trial).

The study found that Promitor increased fecal output 20%, while wheat bran increased fecal output by 35%. No significant differences were observed regarding bowel movement frequency between baseline and the two test stages. Fecal consistency ratings were increased with wheat bran, but unchanged with Promitor.

The researchers concluded that both Promitor and wheat bran increased fecal output in healthy adults.

"This research shows that Promitor enhances stool bulk, an important indicator of the health of the digestive system," said Tia M. Rains, PhD, one of the study's researchers from Provident Clinical Research. Increasing fecal output, or stool bulk, may also promote the health of the colon by speeding up transit through the digestive system.

"The faster food moves through the digestive tract, the less frequently harmful compounds, such as carcinogens, come in contact with the digestive system," said study researcher Lisa Sanders, PhD, from Tate & Lyle. "The added bulk also helps to dilute any harmful compounds that may exist and minimize their negative impact on the colon."