Immune Support

Despite their rising profile, probiotics have yet to reach their full potential with Americans, whether as supplements or functional-food ingredients.

A new study has found a relationship between gut microbiota and immune cells that allows the body to mount an effective immune response and control inflammation. 

Not only do 75% of Americans take supplements, but 87% of U.S. adults have overall confidence in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplement products, the survey found.

Nasal microbiota may have an influence on immune response, inflammation, viral load, and cold symptoms according to a new study. 

A new animal study shows that the immune system helps maintain good gut bacteria in addition to defending against bad bacteria.

Prebiotic benefits extend to metabolic health, heart health, and more.

In September, FDA released new draft guidance for probiotics indicating the agency will accept CFUs as a unit of measurement.

Functional water is changing the way people consume water.

Post-surgical immune function as well as recovery outcomes improved for GI cancer patients after short-term omega-3 supplementation, according to meta-analysis. 

Ayurvedic superfood brand Hanah has launched a new Cordyceps sinensis product whose ingredients are the first to be harvested directly from the kingdom of Bhutan using sustainable harvesting methods. 

A review of 82 studies found that vitamin, vitamin D, zinc, and echinacea can help boost immune-system barriers often involved in fighting the common cold, including physical barriers, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity.

Suppliers talked about the most promising market opportunities in immune health.

In the prospective study, a yogurt drink containing three probiotic strains, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei 431, and Lactobacillus fermentium PCC, was shown to be effective in fighting cold and flu-like respiratory infections by boosting the immune system in subjects who contracted the common cold four or more times in the past year.

Kaneka also now has exclusive licensing rights to produce and sell AB-Biotics’ products in North America and Japan.

Adding to an already large amount of research on prebiotic fibers, Hungarian researchers just completed a study on prebiotic use in children ages 3 to 6.

In the animal study, Echishield helped protect against stress-induced changes in immunological function.

The claims, “Promotes gastrointestinal health in physically active adults” and “Helps reduce the incidence of cold-like symptoms in adults with exercise-induced stress,” have been approved for Lallemand Health Solutions’ Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 strain for active adults.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far.

Researchers are digging into the possible prebiotic potential of polyphenols, including those from cranberry.

Cereal grasses are more popular with consumers than ever. Here are five market trends to keep your eye on, including new product formats, flavors, and more.

Emergen-C Probiotics+, which comprises Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 probiotic strains, provides immune support by feeding good bacteria to the gut microbiome, a company representative says.

Nutritional Outlook spoke with AlaskOmega representatives about a new pilot study showing that high-DHA fish-oil concentrate may support a healthy immune response in adults.

The first-of-its-kind review analyzed more than 40 existing studies on the potential immune and metabolic effects of palmitoleic acid.

Results from Probi's largest clinical trial affirmed the immune-improving effects of its branded probiotic immune concept, Probi Defendum, while suggesting a mechanism of action that might underlie the product’s benefits.

A new, preclinical study suggests that Wellmune may protect intestinal barrier function even in adults faced with stress, while also adding to our understanding of how the ingredient works with the body and its immune system.

Results from the pilot study showed that the high-DHA concentrate may indeed modulate human B-cell activity in middle-aged obese adults, but the study’s authors stressed the need for further testing in a larger cohort.

Results from two studies suggest that elderberry, with its constituent antioxidant flavonoids, may help strengthen prebiotic and probiotic formulations. 

Curcumin-no longer merely a culinary spice or folk medicine, but an ingredient with a track record of research-backed health benefits-is set for another big year in 2018.  

With new delivery formats, increased consumer awareness, and benefits beyond gut health, probiotics' star continues to rise. 

An update on branded immune-support ingredients.