Suffering from colds and flus can cause anyone to feel blue once the winter weather hits. With consumers ranking immune support as the second most desired functional food benefit (according to a 2012 Datamonitor Consumer survey), now is the time to delve into the realm of natural ingredients for immune system support.
One well-researched ingredient category includes beta-glucans, and new studies illustrate their immune benefits in populations of all ages. Studies on Biothera’s Wellmune ingredient, a yeast beta 1, 3/1, 6 glucan derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of yeast, show supplementation with the ingredient can help everyone from young children to older adults maintain immune support during cold and flu season.1, 2
In addition, a growing body of research illustrates the connection between gut health and immune benefits.
“Every day, more people are associating immune health with digestive health," said Larry Robinson, vice president of scientific affairs, Embria. “Products supporting gut health generally have a positive impact on the beneficial bacteria inhabiting the gut. These bacteria, collectively known as the microbiota, play a major role in immune function and health."
Recent research showed Embria’s dried yeast fermentate, EpiCor, can increase levels of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) beneficial for gut immune health.3
Probiotics are also critical for a healthy gut and a fine-tuned immune system. Considering 80 percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, consumers should focus on maintaining a healthy gut to support overall health and immunity, according to John Deaton, vice president of technology, Deerland Enzymes.
For more information on these ingredients plus many more, read the full article “Beat the Blues" in the Immune Support Content Library.