Ankeny, IA—A recent study on a branded ingredient (EpiCor from Embria Health Services) found that the immune health ingredient may also be beneficial for gut health.

The study compared the branded ingredient to two prebiotic fibers (FOS and inulin) and found that it shifted the pattern of short-chain fatty acids to manufacture more butyrate. According to the researchers, “This is very interesting; since butyrate is thought to positively interact with the immune system in a variety of ways.”

In addition, the branded immune health ingredient also helped increase the number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which might indicate that it functions like a prebiotic. These two types of bacteria are shown to help exclude pathogenic bacteria to reduce the probability of disease, and help balance the overall flora of the gut, which results in better and more regular digestion.

The study concludes, “These demonstrated prebiotic effects of EpiCor help explain that the beneficial immune effects of EpiCor are related to its possible action on gut health.”

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, October 2010