EpiCor may support immune health in children according to recently published study

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A recently published study¹ found that a proprietary yeast fermentate marketed as the postbiotic EpiCor from Cargill (Wayzata, MN), supported immune health in children between the ages of 4 and 12, when administered through a gummy supplement. In the study, 256 children were randomized to receive either 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo, daily for 84 days. The active product was administered in two 250 mg gummies, daily. The children were all attending school or daycare during the 2022-2023 flu season in Ontario, Canada. Researchers used the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS) and study diaries to assess the incidence and severity of cold/flu symptoms as well as the use of cold/flu medications.

Results showed that the children taking the yeast fermentate experienced significantly less symptom severity when they had the cold/flu. More specifically, they saw significantly lower CARIF severity scores and “sore throat” and “muscle aches or pains” symptom scores. Subjects in the placebo group were also shown to be 1.73 times more likely to take cold/flu medications compared to those taking EpiCor. There were no significant differences in the incidence of cold and flu between the two groups.

“Immune health is so important to families. The statistically significant positive results of this study affirm EpiCor may help support immune health in younger populations and upholds the efficacy and safety of daily EpiCor supplementation in children,” said Najla Guthrie, CEO at KGK Science, in a press release. KGK Science conducted the study in partnership with Cargill.

“With a strong history of clinical success, this new research on immune support in children continues to underscore Cargill's unwavering commitment to developing science-backed solutions that aim to positively impact people’s health and wellness across all life stages,” said Dr. Justin Green, PhD, director of scientific affairs at Cargill. “By affirming EpiCor’s efficacy in a gummy, we’re also responding to consumer preferences for alternative supplement formats.”

Reference

1. Singh, R.G.; Garcia-Campayo, C.; Green, J.B.; Paton, N.; Saunders, J.D.; Al-Wahsh, H.; Crowley, D.C.; Lewis, E.D.; Evans, M.; Moulin, M. Efficacy of a yeast postbiotic on cold/flu symptoms in healthy children: A randomized-controlled trial. Pediatric Research. 2024. Article ASAP. DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03331-z