Once again, Prepared Foods, under its NutraSolutions brand, offers the “Ingredients for Health Reference” to provide market data and information on commercially available ingredients that assist in the development of products targeting various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures used to make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of information.
The categories are as follows:
• Antioxidants for Health
• Bone and Joint Health
• Cancer: Reducing Risk
• Cardiovascular Health
• Cognitive Health
• Diabetic Benefits
• Digestive Health
• Energy and/or Sports Performance
• Eye Health
• Immunity Enhancement
• Weight Management and
• General Health
Immunity Enhancement
Stricter claims scrutiny will definitely affect claims revolving around immunity, and it may hasten the search for new immunity-enhancing ingredients and, consequently, dampen new product development. The more traditional ingredients associated with immunity, such as vitamin C and probiotics, should stay in favor, as their benefits are well-accepted by consumers. In 2011, the leading market categories, worldwide, with immunity claims as tracked by the Innova Database were: baby formula/milk (12.4%), baby cereals and biscuits (9.0%), drinking yogurt/fermented beverages (7.6%), juice and juice drinks (7.4%), hard candy (6.7%) and yogurt (2.9%). Claim examples include “for an immune system boost” and “helps support natural defenses.” The leading ingredients used in product formulations associated with immunity claims include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and probiotics. Other ingredients used for immunity claims, on a smaller scale, include garlic, echinacea, cranberry extract, astragalus and grape seed extract.
—Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights, helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com
Prime the Immune System
Wellmune WGP is a natural, clinically proven immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and dietary supplements. Wellmune WGP safely primes natural immune responses without artificially stimulating the immune system, which may be harmful. Derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Wellmune mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed, clinical studies consistently demonstrate the ability of Wellmune WGP to reduce upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and support protective immune responses during periods of high physical and lifestyle stress. Wellmune is not heat-labile and is highly stable across all food-processing parameters (pH, pressure, retorting, etc.). Wellmune is a patented beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that has broad regulatory approval worldwide, including GRAS status in the U.S. Wellmune is a product of Biothera, the immune health company. Biothera, Steve Meredith, vice president—Sales & Marketing/U.S. and Canada, 801-879-8868, smeredith@biothera.com, www.wellmune.com, www.biothera.com
Multi-functional Oil from Morocco
Argan oil, also called Moroccan oil, is produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) only found naturally in Morocco. It is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenoids, omega-6 and essential fatty acids. Besides being used as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging product, argan oil can help protect against cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer; stimulate blood circulation; and help fight the development of diabetes. Argan oil contains substances that help enhance immune response and strengthen the body’s natural immunities. This oil also helps the body in detoxification of carcinogens through activation of the immune system. Arista Industries Inc., Mary Ann Siciliano, national sales manager, 203-761-1009, ext. 316, maryann@aristaindustries.com, www.aristaindustries.com
Benefits that Deliver All Year
Lonza offers ResistAid, a proprietary, natural immune support ingredient made from larch trees. ResistAid consists of the soluble fiber arabinogalactan and bioactive polyphenolic flavonoids, and thus has antioxidant capacity. ResistAid is formulated to deliver triple-action immune benefits year-round. ResistAid supports both the innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as gastrointestinal health. Clinical study results indicate that ResistAid has the ability to modulate and support both arms of the immune system and provide benefit from antioxidant capacity. ResistAid has a number of technical properties, which make it easy to incorporate into dietary supplements and functional foods, in standalone form or combined with other products to increase functionality. ResistAid is highly soluble, dissolving completely in hot or cold water. It is stable at a wide range of temperatures and pH, and is certified-kosher and self-affirmed GRAS. Lonza, Bryan Rodriguez, bryan.rodriguez@lonza.com, www.lonza.com NS
