
Immune support



Probiotics may boost immune cell function for marathon runners: RCT
A combination of two probiotic strains may increase the activity of certain immune cells in marathon runners, says a new study from Brazil that adds to the potential immune health benefits of probiotics for endurance athletes.

Spore-forming probiotic may ease URTI symptoms
Supplementation with a sport forming probiotic may activate the immune system to help suppress symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), says a new study from Japan.

NutriLeads expands global presence with Mexico distribution deal
Netherlands-based NutriLeads BV has announced a distribution agreement with Safe Iberoamericana, SA de CV in Mexico for its Benicaros upcycled carrot-derived ingredient.

‘I came to learn and was delighted to find so much more’: 8 reasons to attend the IPAWC + Probiota Americas 2024
The IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2024 is just two months away! The leading event for the probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and microbiome community is a must-attend event, and let us tell you why…

Deadline for entry is March 22, 2024!
Got groundbreaking microbiome-related research to shout about? We want to hear from you!
Are you researching the latest state-of-the-art developments related to prebiotic, probiotic, postbiotic and microbiome science relevant to human health, well-being, consumers and industry? If so, we would like to hear from you!

ANVISA approves first tetrahydrocurcuminoid for use in Brazil
Natural ingredient supplier Sabinsa announced this week that The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has green-lighted its Curcumin C3 Reduct as health ingredient in the country.

Small study hints creatine supplementation improves post-Covid-19 fatigue syndrome
Taking dietary creatine supplements for at least six months may improve brain performance for those with long-term neurological disorders.

Kyowa Hakko continues LATAM expansion with Mexico launch
Kyowa Hakko has partnered with Mexican manufacturer Quifaest to broaden the reach of its Immuse postbiotic for immune support.

Study sheds light on disruptions to infant gut microbiome from COVID-19 pandemic
Dramatic environmental changes during the early COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the development and diversity of the infant gut microbiome, according to data collected from infants living in New York City.

1000 IU daily Vitamin D3 most effective dose in children, study finds
A new randomised controlled trial concludes that 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily (Mon - Fri) is most efficient in reducing deficiencies within children aged 12 to 30 months old, and pushes for more public recommendations.

Kyowa Hakko’s glutathione approved as health ingredient in Brazil
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has approved Kyowa Hakko’s Setria ingredient, making it the first glutathione authorized for use in dietary supplements and functional foods in the country.

‘Insightful and comprehensive’: Grapefruit flavanones’ heart health benefits linked to gene expression changes
Flavanones from grapefruit may modulate the expression of genes linked to better vascular function, says a new study with postmenopausal women that shines a light on potential mechanisms of action.

ANVISA approves mushroom-derived vitamin D2 for Brazilian market
Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency ANVISA has approved Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D for use in food, beverages and supplements produced and sold in Brazil.

Probiotic combination may positively affect outcomes in COVID-19 outpatients
A combination of four probiotic strains may reduce viral load and remission rates in COVID-19 outpatients with mild symptoms, says a new study from Mexico.

News in Brief
Beneo makes multi-million investment to extend chicory root fibre capacity
Prebiotic ingredient powerhouse Beneo has announced a multi-million euro investment program for the coming years to expand capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibre production sites in Belgium and Chile.

Kerry identifies structural differences between commercial beta glucans
All beta (β) glucans are not created equal, according to Kerry scientists, who reveal that structural differences in yeast β-glucans may influence health benefits associated with the fibre’s consumption.

Probiotic Akkermansia strain may protect against cognitive dysfunction
A specific strain of Akkermansia muciniphila may reverse the detrimental cognitive effects of a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet, including for measures of working memory and recognition, says a new study in rats.

Astragalus extract balances rowers’ immune systems in study
A recent study found that supplementation with an astragalus extract benefited the immune systems of elite class rowers participating in a heavy training cycle.

Biosearch Life gets Brazil approval for two probiotic strains for immune support
Madrid, Spain-based Biosearch Life has received approval from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) for the commercialization of two probiotic strains

Routines and rituals: There’s ‘good opportunity’ to connect beauty and immunity, says Mintel
There are plenty of opportunities to address immunity in the beauty and personal care space, particularly in developing active topicals, nutrient-dense ingestibles and combined kits that plug beauty routine needs and target holistic health, says Mintel.

Multi-strain probiotic may protect marathon runners from URTIs: Study
Supplementation with a combination of five probiotic strains for 30 days before a marathon may protect runners from upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) post-race, says a new small study from Brazil.

Kemin's sleep ingredient shows promise in new study
Kemin Human Health and Nutrition announced the publication of a clinical study on their sleep ingredient DailyZz, a proprietary blend rich in naturally occurring polyphenols.

Study: Probiotic can reduce sore throat and fever in children
A supplement of two L. reuteri probiotic strains can significantly reduce days of fever and severity of pain in children being treated for upper respiratory tract infections thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, according to a new clinical trial.

Microbiome modulation a ‘promising approach’ against viral respiratory tract infections: Review
A systematic review of the scientific literature, which included 58 individual studies, found that probiotics may exert benefits against viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) like the flu.

Hofseth BioCare eying global surge for unique salmon-derived ingredients
With its first purchase order from Nestlé-owned Garden of Life in hand, Norwegian biotech company Hofseth BioCare (HBC) is gearing up for significant growth in North America with new products, exciting science, and unique claims.

Probiotic consortium may reduce respiratory symptoms for overweight and obese adults: RCT
A combination of five probiotic strains may slash the symptoms of viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) by over 25%, with people over 45 experiencing greater benefits, says new data from the PROMAGEN study.

Probiotic supplements superior to reference drug for colic relief: Study
Supplementing an infant with Bifidobacterium breve CECT7263 may present an “earlier and more robust effect than the reference prescribed drug” for the management of colic, says a new clinical trial.

Guest article
Omega-3 Overview 2020: COVID and Contradictions (in Science)
The year 2020 will go down in history as a year like no other; the overused adjective “unprecedented” doesn’t even seem to do the situation justice anymore. In a year dominated by COVID-19, it’s impossible to look at any industry segment without...

Global probiotics market grows 8%, says IPA’s Paraskevakos
As consumers seek out immune-support products, probiotics are one of the categories to have experienced sales growth in 2020. The science to substantiate the claims has been key, said George Paraskevakos, Executive Director of the International...

Trending terms: ‘Gut Flora’ out of fashion as shoppers learn strain names
Consumers are no longer reverting to simplistic phrases like ‘gut flora’ but are instead researching the specific bacterial strains associated with their target health concerns, according to a new trends analysis tool from Lumina Intelligence.

Dutch Medical Food enters global medical foods category with innovative, high quality products
The new company, which is led by Dr Rolf Smeets (a former executive of Danone’s medical food division) and Dr Guru Ramanathan (former Chief Innovation Officer for GNC), aims to make its innovative products accessible in underserved markets.

‘Microbial Noah’s Ark’ to preserve the diversity of human microbiota
A new biobank known as the Microbiota Vault recently received the go ahead to move on to the pilot stage: The ultimate goal is to gather beneficial microorganisms from human populations whose microbiomes are uncompromised by antibiotics, processed diets...

Supplier debuts concentrated acerola extract with high level of ‘natural’ vitamin C
An ingredient supplier based in California but with significant operations in Brazil has staked a new claim in the natural vitamin C fray with a new concentrated acerola ingredient.

Digestion leads nutritional health benefits in Brazil and Mexico probiotics
Reviews of certain probiotic products are on the up in the Latin American countries. NutraIngredients-LATAM spoke to Emer Mackle, Market Analyst at Lumina Intelligence about the current probiotic landscape.

Across the Nutra-verse: COVID-19 dominates global headlines, and more
A lot has happened in the global nutrition industry over the past seven days, the majority of which is linked to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Stay on top of things with our weekly round-up of key news from across the nutra-verse.

First speakers announced for IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas
Delegate registration is open for the IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas in Washington DC, with speakers already confirmed covering topics including postbiotics, the changing retail landscape, microbes and the mitochondria, and fermented foods.

From the editor's desk
Persistent nutrition gaps at sports teams provides opportunity
Many pro sports leagues still have a long way to go when it comes to supporting players with proper nutrition and supplementation, which could be a big opportunity for sports nutrition companies.

Heat-killed Lactobacillus strain may slash inflammation in healthy overweight people
Daily supplementation with heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 could enhance the response of immune T cells and suppress inflammation in the liver, says a new study from Japan.

SPM-enriched fish oils may help control immune responses: RCT
Fish oil enriched with specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) precursors may reprogram key blood cells and help control immune responses in healthy people, says a new clinical trial from the UK.

Higher omega-3 index linked to better asthma control: Study
Higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with better asthma control and lower medication doses, suggests a new study.

BB-12 probiotic strain may help lessen the impact of colic in infants, says study
A new scientific trial suggests that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 may offer relief for infants experiencing colic.

Echinacea extract shows mild anti-anxiety effects in RCT
A commercial Echinacea angustifolia root extract may help decrease anxiety in adults, suggests a new gold standard double‐blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Probiotic dietary supplements in Brazil are still “developing” and so education is “necessary”
Reviews, education and niche segments play a big part in increasing uptake and evolving the Brazilian probiotic dietary supplement market, according to Lumina Intelligence.

One week to go!
Lactobacillus taxonomic changes: Is your brand ready?
An upcoming webinar will explore the taxonomic changes to the genus Lactobacillus and the implications for brands, from labeling to consumer education.

Roquette Ventures invests in AP Technologies to develop HMOs for infant nutrition
Nutrition innovation investors, Roquette Ventures, have signed an agreement with bio-venture company, Advanced Protein Technologies, to produce new human breast milk components for food, nutrition and health markets.

Across the Nutra-verse: Studying probiotic impact using an ingestible sensor, Europe lowers red yeast rice contaminant level, and more
It’s been a busy week for the nutra- industry around the world: Stay on top of the global nutra-news with our weekly round-up of key news from across the globe.

Brazilian supplement users want more info on benefits: Survey
Almost 50% of Brazilians consumer food supplements with pharmacies dominating as the leading purchase channel, according to survey data.

Mexican survey studies probiotics use and prescriptions by nutritionists and gastroenterologists
Almost 100% of Mexican of nutritionists and gastroenterologists think that probiotics are safe and effective for managing digestive symptoms, according to a new survey.