The immune system is complicated—natural ingredients for immune health have evolved to provide a more integrative approach.
One of the most critical support systems in a living organism, the immune system serves as a preventative and defensive mechanism against injury and infection for the body. And it is difficult to quantify the status of immune health in Americans, noted Guy Woodman, general manager with Euromed USA in California. “Cases of colds and flu are tracked throughout the winter season by Centers for Disease Control (CDC).”
Woodman also pointed out that access to fresh fruits and vegetables is associated with level of socioeconomic status and the financial ability to purchase foodstuffs for the family. In addition, he said, excessive long-term use of antibiotics, prevalence of pesticides in the food supply, stress of a fast-paced, technologically advanced society has been shown to influence negatively the health of our immune system.
“Our immune system is comprised of our spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and bone marrow,” Goodman said. “These tissues produce the cells that work together to protect us from microbial attack.”
“It is difficult to establish a prevalence for poor immune health as it is not a clearly defined phenomena,” agreed Susan Hewlings, PhD, RD and chief science officer at IgY Nutrition in Oklahoma. “Immune system balance is a complex process involving many systems and markers. We do know that there are several things that can influence immune health—aging, obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and an imbalance of bacteria in the gut called dysbiosis can all alter immune function,” she noted.
Michael Bush, president and CEO of Ohio-based Ganeden noted that there are a variety of external, internal and environmental factors that can contribute to poor immune health. “Our main focus is on causes that originate in the digestive system. Seventy percent of the body’s immune cells are located there—meaning that immune health is directly affected by digestive health. These immune cells come into contact with hundreds of species of naturally occurring bacteria—some beneficial and some harmful. When the levels of good and bad bacteria are out of balance, digestive health and immune health are affected.”
In addition, Tim Hammond, vice president of marketing and sales for Bergstrom Nutrition in Washington noted that a relatively high number of Americans are battling slight immunological issues today. “The primary causes stem from chronic inflammation and stress-related factors. Chronic inflammation can arise from environmental factors, such as toxins or lack of physical activity, and from dietary factors, such as high levels of sugar or toxins. Stress itself, whether physical or psychological, can also have an immunosuppressing effect.”
“These causes are not isolated issues but rather are interrelated,” Hewlings explained. “Meaning that obesity may be associated with a poor diet and lack of physical activity which all influence microbial diversity and may lead to dysbiosis. Most of the diseases that have been linked to dysbiosis such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and more, are characterized by immune alterations, especially chronic inflammation, which affect not only the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but also impacts the systemic circulation and potentially any system in the body. The impact involves alterations in cytokine levels and significant changes in the frequency, function, and trafficking pattern of immune cells, affecting the ‘immunological environment’ in the human.”
One way to gauge the immune status of Americans is to monitor the sales of immune enhancing products, Woodman added.
State of the Immune Health Market
Echinacea-containing supplements, the traditional remedy against cold and flus, increased 10 percent in the natural channel from 2014 to 2015, Woodman pointed out. “Olive leaf extract, another popular supplement well recognized for immune stimulation, increased almost 10 percent in this period. This sales data is found in the American Botanical Council report on ‘Top Selling Herbal Supplements 2016.’”
According to Nena Dockery, technical services manager for Stratum Nutrition in Missouri, “The general immune health segment of the dietary supplement market is currently more than $100 million and is projected to continue steady growth. If cold and flu supplements are included, the numbers are much higher,” she said. “Many individuals recognize the need to support their immune systems, and there is also the realization that many of the factors that can compromise immune system functioning are within our control, but our fast-paced lives impede our willingness or ability to sufficiently alter these habits. This provides an open market for supplements that help strengthen immune system functioning.”
Trends in Immune Health Ingredients
Consumers are used to evaluating the efficacy of herbal supplements they consider on the internet. “Resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pubmed search site allow people to quickly verify those natural products that are scientifically substantiated,” Woodman observed.
For example, he noted, olive leaf extract (OLE) is known to be an antimicrobial that also has antioxidant activity. It has been used to reduce bacteria levels in shrimp and leafy greens and enhance the quality and shelf life of meat products. Research groups like the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) have evaluated olive leaf extract (OLE) and found it effective against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteriditis. USDA’s goal is to determine if OLE would be a suitable antimicrobial for use by the food industry. USDA found it influenced gene expression by the bacteria and reduced Listeria bacteria motility.
According to Bush, another trend in the category is using probiotics not only for digestive health benefits, but for immune health benefits as well. “In fact, of the consumers who are familiar with probiotics, 82 percent associate them with immune health support. One of the most popular strains for this use has been our patented probiotic, GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086), due to its ease of fortification and science-backed immune health benefits.
Recent news in the immune health category also includes the introduction of new immune-focused ingredients. Bush noted that earlier this summer, Ganeden officially announced Staimune, the company’s newest immune-focused ingredient. Staimune is unique to Ganeden, and utilizes the inactivated cells of GanedenBC30, which have been shown to support immune health.
Hewling also noted consumers’ strong interest in probiotics for immune health. “Because of the increased awareness between gut health and immune health, several products have reached the market to address gut health,” she said. “Perhaps the best known are probiotics and prebiotics. Systemic immune response has been shown to be modified by changing the microflora through supplementation of probiotics. Probiotics have also been shown to regulate the host immune response. Indeed, probiotics have been found to enhance the innate immunity and modulate pathogen-induced inflammation via toll-like receptor-regulated signaling pathways.”
There are three to four main types of probiotics that aid in regulating the immune system, Hewling said.
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus, which produces vitamin K and lactase, and is most commonly found in the upper digestive tract. L. Acidophilus has been shown to improve digestion, blood pressure and cholesterol; reduce lactose intolerance; increase absorption of calcium and B vitamins; help the body fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections; decrease allergy symptoms; and decrease the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
• Bifidobacterium Lactis inhabits the intestines and colon, and its main job is to break down waste and absorb various vitamins and minerals. B. Lactis has been shown to improve digestive conditions by decreasing intestinal permeability and relieving general digestive discomfort; improve oral health by fighting dental caries; and enhance immunity by reducing the frequency and severity of respiratory diseases.
• Lactobacillus Bulgaricus is one of the lesser known probiotics, but it has significant benefits for immune health. Inhabiting the intestinal mucosa, L. Bulgaricus helps to reduce intestinal infections by adjusting the pH of the GI tract to promote healthy flora growth; increase immunity by releasing natural antibiotics; and fight infections by blocking pathogen adhesion sites within the intestinal mucosa.
Too Tired to Fight
An exhausted immune response toward infection may result in a worse outcome. Hammond noted that exercise may boost immune function, but strenuous training can exhaust the immune system and hinder the innate immune response. “Viruses and bacteria may gain a foothold during this window of altered immunity and lead to potential illness or downtime away from training.”
Recently published data from a Bergstrom Nutrition sponsored study in the Journal of Sports Medicine by Mariè van der Merwe and Richard Bloomer of the University of Memphis’s School of Health Studies suggests that the OptiMSM brand of MSM can blunt tissue damage and result in inflammation, which prevents leukocyte apoptosis following strenuous exercise. Based on these results, the authors stated MSM taken during intense bouts of exercise reduces post exercise immunosuppression. By supplementing with OptiMSM, athletes can continue to train at high levels while preserving an active immune system.
Immune Health Ingredient Innovations
The natural product industry community is aware that transparency and traceability are big concerns for consumers these days. “They want to know where their herbs come from and information on how are they grown,” Woodman said. Euromed recently manufactured its first production of certified organic olive leaf extract at its Barcelona, Spain factory, the recipient of seven industrial certifications. The olive leaf extract is produced according to its Phyto-Proof process. Each batch of certified organic olive leaf extract undergoes a minimum of 20 laboratory tests, starting with the leaves that are organically cultivated and harvested in Southern Spain. Euromed obtains an organic certificate from CCPAE in Spain and also provides a National Organic Program (NOP) equivalence statement.
“Organic olive leaf extract is well controlled during cultivation, as it does not use pesticides and interestingly, the organic leaves provide an excellent oleuropein content,” Woodman explained. “This is the most prevalent and active phytochemical in olive leaf extract.”
In the past, most immune support ingredients stimulated the immune system, often by causing an increase in production of certain white blood cells, Dockery pointed out. It is now known that constant stimulation of the immune system is not best, she said. “More products now use ingredients that are designed to work alongside the body’s immune processes, and products that stimulate the immune system bear cautions for short-term use only.
“In addition, immune support ingredients were predominantly botanicals at one time. Now, they are mostly probiotics,” she added.
Adding to that fact, Hewlings explained, “The innovations are the identification of the connection between gut health and immune health where in the past the market only offered products that directly supported immune health. This evolves from an overall understanding of a more integrative approach to health and well being rather than looking at the various physiological systems as acting independently. I think the evolution in the marketplace has reflected this awareness. IgY Max is one of those products that supports both immune and digestive health at once. Unlike a probiotic or prebiotic, IgY Max helps reduce the attachment of 26 human-relevant bacteria to promote healthy digestive function. By targeting the source of dysbiosis in the gut, IgY Max helps reduce occasional gastrointestinal discomfort, reduce excess inflammatory stress, and support an efficient immune response to restore and maintain peak digestive health.”
Regarding probiotics, the biggest innovation Ganeden has seen is immune health benefits being offered in everyday foods and beverages, said Bush. “There’s been a shift from consumers taking supplements and pills for immune health benefits to a new demand for these benefits in more consumer-friendly products. Consumers want immune health benefits, but pill fatigue, dietary restrictions and busy lifestyles can all affect their ability to be consistent in getting daily servings of immune ingredients. Fortifying functional immune-health ingredients, such as Staimune and GanedenBC30, into everyday foods and beverages provides easy options that fit into any daily routine.”
“The market has moved beyond vitamins and minerals associated with the immune system and into products with benefits beyond addressing deficiencies. Consumers are looking for broader solutions to a complicated issue,” Hammond added.
When Considering Ingredients
Suppliers, manufacturers and distributors are often interested in research that supports claims that they want to make in marketing their products, said Dockery. “In addition, research that supports safety is usually a top priority as is research in a selected demographic. Conscientious manufacturers and distributors are also interested in a strong support of efficacy for the ingredient or product.
“The research into the immune system effects resulting from poor dental and periodontal health is still in its infancy; but as more information comes to light, it is likely that suppliers and manufacturers will expand research on ingredients into their effects on the body’s long-term immunity against both infections and chronic diseases,” she added.
Bush agreed that when selecting an immune health ingredient, it’s important for manufacturers to confirm the ingredient has science backing its specific health benefit offerings. He also recommends that the ingredient is providing efficacious amounts at the time of consumption so that consumers are receiving the health benefits. Testing should be done to ensure survivability and efficacy.
And now that we are approaching cold and flu season, manufacturers need to be aware they can only make structure-function health claims and not state that their products are intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease, Woodman advised. “These statements are limited to drugs. Therefore, product health claims need to be described as supporting normal immune health and maintenance.” NIE
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Beneficial Ingredients
Suppliers provided a description of their company’s most beneficial immune health ingredients:
Bergstrom Nutrition: It’s necessary to support the immune system year round, Hammond noted, especially during times of stress. “Recognized and trusted as a joint health supplement, OptiMSM displays broad utility with a variety of health benefits. Clinical research has displayed MSM’s ability to reduce oxidative damage and expression of inflammatory markers. OptiMSM could be added into products that reduce acute cold or flu symptoms, as well as into those that modulate chronic symptoms.” Euromed: There is a large body of research showing that use of olive leaf extract in a dietary supplement can be beneficial for immune health, according to Woodman. He explained that olive leaf extract has been evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms. It has been shown to have activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, he said.
Ganeden: In addition to the traditional immune health ingredients, GanedenBC30 is also used frequently for its immune health benefits. The company recently launched Staimune, which provides immune benefits through interaction with immune cells in the gut. While both ingredients offer immune health support, they are beneficial in their own ways. The benefit of GanedenBC30 is consumers receive both digestive and immune support, along with enhanced protein utilization. Staimune provides the same immune benefits as GanedenBC30 (without the digestive or metabolic benefits of the living probiotic), but is capable of being used in any food or beverage product—regardless of manufacturing processes.
IgY: IgY Max is a polyvalent antigen specific IgY product targeting 26 of the most common human-relevant pathogens. IgY Max is a unique digestive and immune function ingredient that promotes GI health by increasing gut wall integrity, improving bowel function and reducing non-beneficial bacteria adherence. In addition to favorably altering the composition of the microbiome, it supports the digestive tract lining, promotes proper microbial adhesion, supports immune system health, supports the body’s natural defenses and promotes proper cytokine balance. IgY Max works along with probiotics in that it helps to change the composition and activity of the microbiome. IgY antibodies contained in IgY Max help the body eliminate only the harmful bacteria and leave the good microbes intact. They work by significantly reducing harmful bacterial adhesion and growth in the GI tract, helping to minimize inflammation by decreasing cytokines and HSCRP.
Stratum Nutrition: The company offers two probiotics that are specifically designed to colonize and function in the oral cavity. Both probiotics are strains of Streptococcus salivarius, a bacterial species that is common in the oral cavities of healthy individuals. S. salivarius K12 was first isolated from a child with exceptional upper respiratory health. It is a rare strain, found naturally in about 2 percent of the population. As a probiotic, BLIS K12 colonizes on the back of the tongue, but can migrate up through the nasopharynx. K12 not only competes with less desirable oral cavity strains, but it also produces bactericin-like-inhibitory-substances or BLIS. BLIS are produced by a variety of beneficial bacteria and provide natural protection by targeting and destroying specific pathogenic strains. BLIS K12 targets strains that cause upper respiratory and middle ear complaints, and it is also effective in controlling many of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
A sister strain to K12 is M18. M18 was first isolated from an adult who did not have cavities or other dental or periodontal issues. The BLIS in M18 target specific bacteria that contribute to dental caries. But M18 has a couple of additional unique characteristics. It produces two enzymes in response to its environmental conditions. One is a urease. This enzyme helps buffer the area around it, which is extremely helpful since many bacteria that cause tooth decay produce acid as part of their metabolism. This acid helps erode the tooth enamel, providing an easy access point for tooth decay. The second enzyme is a dextranase. This enzyme breaks down dextran, a polysaccharide that is one of the main components in dental plaque.
For More Information:
Bergstrom Nutrition, (888) 733-5676
Euromed USA, (925) 935-0334
Ganeden, Inc., (440) 229-5200
IgY Nutrition, (405) 242-5382
Stratum Nutrition, (800) 970-4479
