Immune Support

Is it the "nail in the coffin" for Echinacea and common cold relief? The American Botanical Council responds.

The FTC announced yesterday that it has entered into a consent agreement with Dannon in which the brand will drop what the FTC says are deceptive advertising claims for its probiotic Activia yogurt and DanActive dairy drink.

A 90-day study evaluating the immune-enhancing effects of Biothera’s (Eagan, MN) Wellmune WGP beta-glucan immune-health ingredient was performed on medical students. According the company, participants taking Wellmune WGP experienced 43 fewer days of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms compared to the placebo group.

But to what end?

Targeted Weight Loss

Omega-3s May Reduce Incidence of GingivitisSource: A Naqvi et al., “n-3 fatty acids and periodontitis in U.S. adults,” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 110, no. 11 (November 2010): 1669–1675.Dietary intake of even modest amounts of omega-3s may significantly improve gum care, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

WellBody 365 combines the benefits of Maitake mushroom and Sensoril brand Ashwagandha.

A proprietary larch tree extract appears to enhance the body’s immune response specific to pneumonia vaccine, according to new research published in Nutrition Journal.

What could possibly make chocolate milk taste better? Try digestive and immune health benefits.

The newest finished products on the market.

Consumption of a yogurt containing the probiotic L. bulgaricus might significantly reduce your chance of getting the common cold, according to research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Nutrition.

Addressing the growing demand for functional yogurts, Chr. Hansen (Milwaukee) has announced two new ranges of probiotic cultures, YoFlex and Nu-Trish, which aim to deliver ideal texture in low-fat drinking yogurts.

For the latest on what the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; Parma, Italy) thinks about gut heath and immune function claims, check out the agency’s new draft guidance, introduced today.

For the latest on what the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; Parma, Italy) thinks about gut heath and immune function claims, check out the agency’s new draft guidance, introduced today.

The Dr. Sears natural children...s product brand from the famed American pediatrician has launched Immune Plus Fruit Chews touting beta-glucans for children...s immune health. The product contains Wellmune WGP, a beta-glucan 1,3/1,6 ingredient derived from Baker...s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) clinically demonstrated to enhance the body...s natural immune responses. 'Wellmune WGP is a safe, effective, and key ingredient in our new Immune Plus Fruit Chews,' says Sears.

Kellogg Co. plans to discontinue use of the phrase, 'Now helps support your child...s immunity,' on boxes of Kellogg...s Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies cereal. The move was announced after a letter questioning the marketing claim was sent to Kellogg by San Francisco city attorney Dennis J. Herrera. Herrera...s letter requested that Kellogg provide evidence to back up its immunity claim, which Kellogg started adding to its packaging after the company began adding extra antioxidants to the cereals in question last year.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; Parma, Italy) published its negative opinion on a health-claims application for beta-glucans on May 26. But the details of Leiber GmbH...s (Bramsche, Germany) Article 13.5 application may be of greater concern.

UAS Laboratories (Eden Prairie, MN) has announced that its DDS brand probiotics are now kosher-certified by OK Kosher (Brooklyn, NY). The company...s DDS line of probiotics, including DDS Acidophilus and DDS Junior, is available in 37 countries around the world. OK Kosher currently certifies over 300,000 products from over 1500 companies.

Thanks to a new partnership with Glanbia Nutritionals (Monroe, WI), Ganeden Biotech (Cleveland) will be showcasing its patented GanedenBC30 probiotic strain in stick pack form at the upcoming IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago.

Graminex (Saginaw, MI) has introduced G60WS, a clear, water-soluble form of its Graminex flower pollen extract. G60WS is a non-allergenic, non-solvent extract that can be formulated for beverage applications, including ready-to-drink products, dry drink mixes, coffee, and tea.

Ever since the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; Parma, Italy) published its second batch of general health claims in February, much of the industry had been waiting for last week...s stakeholders meeting, where EFSA intended to clarify its procedures and offer advice on claims substantiation.  

As a supplements category, immune health has come a long way-especially when it comes to consumer awareness and appreciation.

When it comes to immune-health supplements, consumers are looking beyond just pills and capsules.

Helping the body detoxify and cleanse can be key to developing and maintaining an optimal immune system.