Every year brings with it a new immune challenge that has everyone rushing around trying to shore up their immunity, either to the specific threat or to the usual and common bugs. This past year's bout of H1N1 is only the latest prime example of this reactive behavior. Mix in the continuing economic challenges, and the situation is ripe for consumers to place more value on preventive immune support, including dietary changes and supplementation.
SPINS highlighted immunity in its trends report for 2010, noting with the flu scare still weighing on consumers' minds, vitamins and supplements that boost the immune system should do well in the coming year. Specifically, the firm expects probiotics, medicinal mushrooms, Echinacea and astragalus to experience growth. Looking from another angle, SPINS indicated immunity is a big potential growing agent for probiotics and prebiotics used in foods and beverages for all age groups; additionally, children's health will welcome immune products with innovative, kid-friendly delivery systems that encourage compliance.
Nutrients for Life
Nutrition researchers Alexander Ströhle and Andreas Hahn, Leibniz University Hannover, confirmed what many natural health proponents have long claimed: the immune system is strongly influenced by nutrition. In their 2009 review of the popular vitamin C and its much-debated contribution to cold and flu prevention, the pair explained several immune cells, such as phagocytes and T cells, can both accumulate and require vitamin C to perform their immune system functions.1 They contend a vitamin C deficiency leads to decreased resistance to certain pathogens, and an increased intake of the nutrient can augment several aspects of immune health. On the subject of cold and flu prevention, Ströhle and Hahn concluded various studies, including meta-analyses, underscore vitamin C's ability to slightly reduce illness duration but not incidence and severity. In fact, they suggest vitamin C supplementation has appeared most effective in cases of decreased immune function, due to either vitamin deficiency or physical stress.
Maile Combs, Ester-C Co., reported its Ester-C® brand has become a popular vitamin C product due to its 24-hour residence time in the immune system and its pH neutrality. "Through the unique and proprietary Ester-C manufacturing process, vitamin C is neutralized and a patented blend of vitamin C metabolites is created," she explained. "Studies show these metabolites result in increased retention in cells, specifically the immune cells, which require vitamin C for optimum function. Additionally, the non-acidic nature of Ester-C makes it more tolerable in acid-sensitive individuals, who often get [gastrointestinal] side effects from ascorbic acid or typical vitamin C."
Having drawn attention in recent years for widespread health importance, vitamin D is starting to shine in the field of immune health. Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, pointed to the discovery that immune cells express the vitamin D receptor and key enzymes.2 They further noted D3 up-regulates antimicrobial peptides to help clear bacteria from various internal barrier sites and immune cells.
Another sought-after micronutrient supplement ingredient is zinc, which has become widely consumed in lozenge form. Ananda Prasad, Ph.D., internal medicine, Wayne State University, has conducted and published research on zinc's reduction of the duration of colds and related symptoms, detailing some of the ways this essential mineral can affect immune function.3 Zinc is an intracellular signaling molecule in monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages; and it has an impact on cell-mediated immune functions, according to Prasad. An expert in zinc deficiency, he noted insufficient zinc levels can exacerbate many diseases and adversely affect clinical features, immunological status, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
According to Christopher Warren, Ambaya Gold, many people have been greatly immune-compromised through the severe under-mineralization of the food supply, not to mention toxic load and nutrient absorption problems. To help counter this, Warren suggested supplementing with minerals that are fulvic- or humic-based, serving the dual purpose of optimizing carriage of minerals and correcting mineral deficiencies from stripped soil and malabsorption problems.
Botanical Boosters
Correcting and boosting nutrients is a first step in bolstering immune health, given the connections of deficiency and increased intake to weakened or strengthened immune response, respectively; but another popular road to immunity is through botanical remedies. As SPINS analysis showed, echinacea and astragalus are continuing their growth trends in the immune market. The firm previously reported sales of Echinacea and elderberry peaked in late spring 2009, as H1N1 vaccine was in short supply.
Sponsored Links:
Dr. Ohhira's Propolis Plus. This unique softgel provides whole health synergy. Antioxidants and immune-supporting Brazilian Green Propolis join forces with vitamin E, astaxanthin, flax oil and probiotic extract. Call 972-255-3918 or log on today for more info. www.essentialformulas.com
Daily Immune Defense featuring Epicor® contains three novel factors that powerfully support immune health and wellness.* Epicor® is a nutritive dried yeast fermentate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (used in baking and brewing) that supports cellular metabolism and modulates immune function. Daily Immune Defense also contains 2000 IU of vitamin D3 and 30 mg of zinc per dose. www.drbvitamins.com
Nutrex Hawaii produces the world’s most nutritious, naturally cultivated Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and the world’s strongest natural antioxidant, BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin on the pristine Kona coast of Hawaii. Clinically validated for efficacy. "More nutrition. Better health. Purely Hawaiian." www.nutrex-hawaii.com
Fungi Perfecti’s mission is to explore, preserve, and educate about fungi in order to help people and the planet. Our chain-of-custody guarantees the efficacy and viability of the species in the Host Defense Line: From the Forest, to our Farm, to You™. www.hostdefense.com
Know the power of healthy immune support! MAITAKE D-FRACTION® is the well-researched, holistic approach for optimal immune support. Available in both standard and professional strengths (4X) to meet any level of immune support needed. Get this time-tested product ONLY from Mushroom Wisdom, formerly Maitake Products, Inc. Call 800-747-7418 or visit www.MUSHROOMWISDOM.com.
Astragalus has shown immunomodulating and restorative effects in vitro and in vivo, enhancing immune cell activity and response in cases of immunosuppression.4 Elderberry also has some research backing, including a 2004 study showing elderberry syrup can relieve symptoms of influenza A and B virus infection quicker than placebo.5 A 2009 in vitro study provided evidence elderberry extract can bind to and inhibit human influenza A and B virus.6 This spotlights a challenging situation in the natural immune-booster market.
While some natural substances, especially herbs, may have some research results showing effectiveness against diseases such as H1N1 or influenza, these products can not be marketed for preventing or treating diseases unless FDA has approved a health claim for such. To date, there aren't any such allowable claims for immune diseases, so retailers need to take care how they sell these products. By now, most retailers are aware they can use structure-function statements and offer third-party literature. While herbs like echinacea and garlic might possess antibacterial and/or antiviral properties that have proven effective against various illnesses, including cancer7 and HIV,8 it is important to use the right language and tools to get the proper message across to customers.
For instance, retailers can tell inquiring customers about the research demonstrating curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, but may want to stay away from claiming it inhibits and destroys cancer, as some research results suggests.9,10 Its ability to improve innate immunity, especially when combined with vitamin D, and to stimulate macrophages would be a decent general research summary, rather than focusing on how these actions have sown promise in triggering clearance of the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease patients.11
Mighty Mushrooms
Polysaccharides called beta-glucans in mushrooms appear to modulate various aspects of the immune response. Among the more well-known medicinal mushrooms is maitake (Grifola frondosa), which contains beta 1,3/1,6 glucans and can strongly trigger cytokines (immune signalers) and up-regulate certain immune cells.12 Maitake (as D-Fraction®, from Mushroom Wisdom) may activate various important immune cells, in addition to enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells.13,14
Sensuke Konno, PhD, New York Medical College, suggested a maitake-vitamin C synergy back in 2001, but most recently published a review specifically on this synergistic combination.15 He confirmed maitake D-Fraction has demonstrated the ability to modulate immunologic and hematologic parameters, including inhibiting or regressing tumor growth, and he added in vitro research has shown clinically relevant synergies with the combination of maitake with vitamin C, which appears to improve efficacy of cancer therapies.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) modulates white blood cells,16 and its polysaccharides have been credited, by various researchers, with promoting immune B cells and antibody secretion.17
University of Oslo, Norway, researchers found the Asian medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazeii Murill possesses strong immunomodulating properties,18 a finding supported by other studies showing agaricus increases antibody levels and sparks immune T-cell production in the spleen, in addition to elevating phagocytic (killing bad infectors) capability and the body's resistance to bacterial infection.19,20 Agaricus has also increased NK cell activity when given to cancer patients, who subsequently experienced fewer chemotherapy side effects.21
One well-studied, polysaccharide-rich mushroom ingredient is the proprietary Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®, manufactured by Amino Up Chemical Co., U.S. distribution by Maypro Industries), derived from the mycelia of select basidiomycetes (a fungal family that includes mushrooms). Animal trials demonstrated AHCC can regulate adaptive and innate immune response by augmenting the body's tumor oversight and increasing its response rate to pathogenic infection.22 Research reviews have found general immune modulation and increased survival in response to acute infection;23 and improved immune response to influenza infection (by low-dose AHCC supplementation).24
Paul Stamets, Fungi Perfecti, has more than 30 years of experience in the laboratory growing medicinal mushrooms, endowing him with knowledge about the nuances of tissue culture. "The P-value™ system I created tracks the vitality of strains by denoting how close they are to nature, their genetic origins," he explained, noting all sexually reproducing organisms on this planet are limited in how long they live. "If they are propagated for too long, they become weaker (what we call ‘senescence'), lose ‘chi,' and fail to grow. Many growers struggle with this issue."
Branded Immune Ingredients
Immune-modulating polysaccharides exist in other non-mushroom species, including the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A proprietary 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of the yeast, Wellmune WGP®, from Biothera has been studied for reduced incidence of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in populations prone to experiencing stress-related immune suppression, including firefighters and marathon runners.25,26 Regular administration of Wellmune in these subjects led to reduced incidence of URIs.
According to new research from Biothera presented at the National Cancer Institutes' Frontiers in Basic Immunology 2009, slight structural differences between seemingly identical beta 1,3/1,6 glucans from different sources can greatly impact immune benefits. In the study, beta 1,3/1,6 glucans from three separate sources with similar primary structures were combined with a monoclonal antibody in a lymphoma model. Results showed the survival rate of animals treated with Biothera's Imprime PGG was more than double that of subjects receiving one of the other sourced glucans.
Another S. cerevisiae-based ingredient is EpiCor®, from Embria Health Sciences, which contains a high-metabolite immunogen derived via fermentation. In 2007, researchers found EpiCor significantly reduced the incidence of URIs in flu-vaccinated adults, and it shortened the duration of symptoms in subjects who did get URIs.27 A dose of 500 mg/d of EpiCor has been shown to modulate certain antibiodies and signaling molecules.28,29 Most recently, a 2009-published study found supplementation with 500 mg/d EpiCor for 12 weeks in healthy adults during high-pollen season resulted not only in the expected increase in helpful anitbodies, but also less severe allergic rhinitis symptoms including nasal congestion.30
Larch trees (Larix occidentalis), are also a good source of immune-healthy polysaccharides, including arabinogalactans. A 2009 study investigated the ability of larch arabinogalactans (LAG, as ResistAid®, from Lonza) to selectively enhance antibody response to a pneumonia vaccine, a standard way to test nutraceuticals and immune function—not a means to show treatment of pneumonia.31 Results of the 72-day trial showed ResistAid modulated immune function by increasing the antibody response in healthy volunteers, without increasing the non-specific innate immune response.
ResistAid has recently been included in a probiotic-based immune supplement from ReNew Life. The supplement is designed to support the natural immune defenses in the respiratory system and digestive tract.
Bacteria to the Rescue?
Market research firm Innova Market Insights recently published a Top Trends list, including "going immune" among the top five trends, citing consumer fears in reaction to the swine flu epidemic. The firm cautioned against overdoing the immunity claims, noting some recently pulled functional immune products due to claims issues. Despite the regulatory complications, Innova said the immune category will be driven, in part, by antioxidants and probiotics.
Sponsored Links:
ResistAid™ is an all natural multifunctional product that comes from the bark and wood of larch trees. ResistAid™ consists of the soluble polysaccharide arabinogalactan and bioactive flavonoids, which helps support healthy immune function and has antioxidant capacity. www.lonzanutrition.comwww.resistaid.com
Sterling Technology, Quality Bioactives from Colostrum. Over the past 25 years Sterling Technology has been focused on bringing quality immune and enteric health solutions to the world. Contact a representative from Sterling Technology to learn how Immunel™ can assist with fast immune response and Tegricel™ can assist with enteric conditions. Clinical research available. Now GRAS. www.sterlingtechnology.com
RESPRIN®, from Nu Century Herbs, Inc. is clinically shown to naturally enhance air flow with a unique botanical blend. The formulation rejuvenates vital cellular energy and helps promote better respiratory health and easier breathing. www.nucenturyherbs.com
Beneficial bacteria have become well-known for crowding out bad bacteria in the digestive system, but can have a similar effect in mucosal membranes, where immunity has its front lines of defense. "When you realize that about 70 percent of the immune cells in the body are in the gut, it starts to make sense why keeping the gut healthy helps the immune system function properly," said Lisa Peterson-Love, Sedona Labs.
In 2006, researchers at the North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Edmonton, reported their research showed probiotic tablets (Immunobiotix™, from Nutraceutix Inc.) enhanced phagocytosis by monocytes and neutrophils in a healthy adult human population. Most recently, animal research conducted at the University of Colorado, Denver, showed an eight-strain probiotic formulation inhibited intestinal inflammation by stimulating epithelial innate immune responses.32
Probiotics have undergone some immune testing in children, an age category that experiences a high number of cold and flu bouts. Made exclusively for children, Danisco's HOWARU® Protect, a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 reduced the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms in children. The combination decreased fever incidence by 72.7 percent, while L. acidophilus alone reduced incidence by 53 percent.33 The researchers added coughing decreased by 41.4 percent, and 62.1 percent of runny noses were lessened by 28.2 percent for the combination and 58.5 percent for the single strain.
Peterson-Love added the Danisco study gives weight to the notion a combination of the specific strains can be more effective than a single strain. "However, customers are going to be interested in the clinically supported end benefit more than the scientific nomenclature of the strains," she argued.
Children featured in another probiotic immune trial, this time involving a synbiotic combination—probiotic and prebiotic—containing Lactobacillus Rosell-52, Bifidocterium Rosell-71, Bifidobacterium Rosell-33 and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) prebiotic (as ProbioKid®, from Institut Rosell-Lallemand). The results, presented at the 5th Probiotics, Prebiotics & New Foods Meeting held in Rome, in September 2009, revealed ProbioKid helped reduce the incidence of infectious episodes in school-aged children during the winter period. Also presented were study results showing ProbioKid and a single-strain product (L. Plantarum 299v) exhibited an effect on immune gene expression and triggered distinct gene response profiles in both cell types. Specifically, ProbioKid appeared to down-regulate the expression of IL8, an inflammatory marker.
On Natural Selection
As a boost during cold and flu season or when traveling, or as a tool of regular maintenance, immune support supplements must offer real results for consumers to reward with repeat business.
Warren focused on bioavailability as a differentiation point between different mineral products. He said the liquid delivery system used for Ambaya Gold minerals is vital to bioavailability, as dry pills or capsules have a maximum absorption rate of 3 percent to 13 percent, if the person has a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract. "Our formulas are all liquid-based and use a unique delivery system called ORME Energy Technology, which is essentially an oral IV," he said. "The formulas get into the system instantly and are absorbed regardless of the health of the user."
Lasky noted Ester-C occupies a unique position in the natural health food channel because it is the only branded vitamin C that delivers 24-hour immune support. "Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that washes out of the system within three to five hours," he explained. "In addition, [Ester-C] is non-acidic, making it gentle on the digestive system, and is formulated to maximize quick absorption and retention of vitamin C in the body."
Given the growing importance of quality in the marketplace, Stamets reasoned his status as grower of his medicinal mushrooms is vital to the products' success, as retailers and consumers can clearly see the origins of the products. "Buying products from companies whose sources are disguised should give you pause," he cautioned, noting in those cases, you really don't know where it is coming from each time, the level of expertise of those who are providing it, and how influenced the buyers are to buy less expensive, inferior products.
Fungi Perfecti grows its own mushrooms via its USDA-certified organic operations in the Pacific Northwest.
Mushroom Wisdom's shrooms are also grown without herbicides or pesticides, and are examined for biological and chemical purity. Shunning the quality control problems of mushroom biofarms, the company sources their mushrooms from a Chinese operation led by former officials from China's FDA, who are experts in mushroom cultivation and herbal medicine.
There are plenty of "immune boosters" to choose from, but retailers and their customers will realize the most continual success with supplements bringing together researched mechanisms positively affecting immune function, quality processing and sourcing, maximized bioavailability of ingredients. Defending against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens is beyond the talents of any one-trick, fly-by-night pony. Instead, consistency in the quality of manufacturing and marketing and education will keep everyone involved in healthy spirits.
April 2010 Natural Products Marketplace
Immune References
1. Strohle A and Hahn A. “Vitamin C and Immune Function.” Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009 Feb;32(2):49-54.
2. Kamen DL and Tangpricha V. “Vitamin D and molecular actions on the immune system: modulation of innate and autoimmunity.” J Mol Med. 2010 Feb 1. Epub ahead of print.
3. Prasad AS. “pact of the discovery of human zinc deficiency on health.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Jun;28(3):257-65.
4. Cho WC, Leung KN. “In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 15;113(1):132-41.
5. Zakay-Rones Z et al. “Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.” J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40.
6. Roschek B et al. “Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.” Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61.
7. Iciek M et al “Biological properties of garlic and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds.” Environ Mol Mutagen. 2009 Apr;50(3):247-65.
8. Abdullah T et al. Onkologie. 1989;21:52-3.
9. O’Sullivan GC et al. “Curcumin induces apoptosis-independent death in oesophageal cancer cells.” British J Cancer. 2009;101:1585–1595.
10. Jeong YE et al. “Curcumin suppresses the induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by blocking the Janus-activated kinase-protein kinase Cdelta-STAT1 signaling pathway in interferon-gamma-stimulated murine dendritic cells.” J Biol Chem. 2009 Feb 6;284(6):3700-8.
11. Masoumi A et al. “1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 interacts with curcuminoids to stimulate amyloid-beta clearance by macrophages of Alzheimer's disease patients.” J Alzheimers Dis. 2009 Jul;17(3):703-17.
12. Badar VA et al. “Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):445-9.
13. Konno S et al. “Synergistic potentiation of interferon activity with maitake mushroom d-fraction on bladder cancer cells.” BJU Int. 2009 Sep 4. Epub ahead of print.
14. Wu MJ et al. “Immunomodulatory properties of Grifola frondosa in submerged culture.” J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Apr 19;54(8):2906-14.
15. Kodama N, Murata Y, Nanba H. “Administration of a polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa stimulates immune function of normal mice.” J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):141-5.
16. Kodama N et al. “Enhancement of cytotoxicity of NK cells by D-Fraction, a polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa.” Oncol Rep. 2005 Mar;13(3):497-502.
17. Jeurink PV et al. “Immunomodulatory capacity of fungal proteins on the cytokine production of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Aug;8(8):1124-33.
18. Maruyama S et al. “Protein-bound polysaccharide-K (PSK) directly enhanced IgM production in the human B cell line BALL-1.” Biomed Pharmacother. 2009 Jul;63(6):409-12.
19. Asai H et al. “Protein-bound polysaccharide K augments IL-2 production from murine mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T cells by modulating T cell receptor signaling.” Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2008 Nov;57(11):1647-55.
20. Chan Y et al. “Immunomodulatory effects of Agaricus blazei Murill in Balb/cByJ mice.” J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2007 Jun;40(3):201-8.
21. Bernardshaw S, Johnson E, Hetland G. “An extract of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill administered orally protects against systemic Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice.” Scand J Immunol. 2005 Oct;62(4):393-8.
22. Ahn WS et al. “Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.” Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2004 Jul-Aug;14(4):589-94.
23. Gao Y et al. “Active hexose correlated compound enhances tumor surveillance through regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.” Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2006 Oct;55(10):1258-66.
24. Ritz BW. “Supplementation with active hexose correlated compound increases survival following infectious challenge in mice.” Nutr Rev. 2008 Sep;66(9):526-31.
25. Harger-Domitrovich SG et al. “Effects of an Immunomodulating Supplement on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters.” Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May 2008.
26. Talbot S and Talbot J. “Effect of Beta 1, 3/1, 6 Glucan on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes.” J Sports Sci and Med. 2009;8:509-515.
27. Moyad MA et al. “Effectsof a Modified Yeast Supplement on Cold/Flu Symptoms.” Urologic Nursing. 2008; 28(1):50-55.
30. Moyad MA et al. “Immunogenic yeast-Based Fermentation Product Reduces Allergic Rhinitis-Induced Nasal Congestion: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.” Adv in Therapy: International J Drug, Device & Diagnostic Res. 2009;26(8):795-804.
31. Presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition in Orlando, Fla., October 2009.
32. Pagnini C et al. “Probiotics promote gut health through stimulation of epithelial innate immunity.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Jan 5;107(1):454-9.
33. leyer GJ et al. “Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children.” Pediatrics. 2009 Aug;124(2):e172-9.
To take the exam for this course, please make sure you have the course in your
nutrilearn.com profile. If you need to add the course to your profile
click
here and complete the checkout process.
If you already have the course in your profile and are ready to take the test,
click here
or visit your profile once you are logged in to the nutrilearn system. Note: To access the
available courses in your profile, click on the "courses" link at
the top of the page once you are logged in.
