Immune-Health Ingredient EpiCor Increases NK Cell Activation, Antioxidant Levels, Study Says

Immune-health ingredient EpiCor, created by Embria Health Sciences (Ankeny, IA), significantly increased NK cell activation and serum antioxidant levels within two hours, according to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. 

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study examined the in vivo effects of EpiCor on immune cells, with specific focus on NK cell activation, antioxidant status, and key immunomodulating agents (cytokines) in a short timeframe.

Twelve healthy subjects were given 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo. Blood samples were taken at baseline and one to two hours after supplementation.

According to researchers, results after one hour showed increased activation of NK cell populations and a rapid increase in interferon-y, a key messenger molecule (cytokine) of the immune system. After two hours, effects included significant serum antioxidant increases.

“The increased levels of some key biomarkers as shown in this study shed light on mechanisms of action that help explain the reduction in cold and flu symptoms seen in earlier clinical studies,” said Larry Robinson, PhD, the study’s coauthor and Embria’s vice president of scientific affairs.