Sun-Rype Products Ltd., Kelowna, B.C., literally added a boost to its line of fruit-based juices and snacks. The company’s latest Canadian retail offerings are FruitActiv™ Immuniboost™ fruit and whole grain bars.

The products feature Biothera’s Wellmune WGP® ingredient, a natural immune booster. Wellmune is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. Biothera, Eagan, Minn., says Wellmune is clinically proven to safely boost the immune system to keep the body healthy. Eight published, peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses, without over stimulating the immune system.

“Sun-Rype’s R&D department is highly skilled at developing formulations that maximize taste while incorporating functional ingredients with meaningful benefits, such as clinically proven Wellmune WGP for immune support,” says Barb Broder, Sun-Rype’s group marketing manager-Food. “With the addition of our FruitActiv Immuniboost line containing Wellmune, boomers and other health-conscious consumers now have an easy way to give their immune system a boost with the goodness of a fruit and whole grain snack.”

FruitActiv Immuniboost bars come in two varieties: Mango Twist and Orange Squeeze. Each bar contains 100mg of Wellmune. Suggested retail price per bar is $1.49-$1.99.

“Bars are an ideal delivery vehicle for Wellmune’s everyday, year-round immune support,” says Richard G. Mueller, Biothera chief executive officer. “The FruitActiv Immuniboost bars align with key consumer trends - on the go convenience, wholesome ingredients and functional benefits.”