Rimouski, QC, Canada; Ankeny, IA—Industry now has additional data on branded ingredients for immune health.
First, a double-blind, human study conducted by Laval University found that a marine-based ingredient (PeptiBal from innoVactiv) helps increase IgA levels. IgA is an immunoglobulin that is transported to mucosal surfaces to protect them from infection; those with IgA deficiencies are prone to allergies and infections.
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Fifty healthy participants either took 300 mg of the ingredient or a placebo for several weeks. Those who took the branded product had a “significant increase” in IgA production after 28 days (17.4% increase over the placebo). This effect was also noted after just two weeks with a 14.7% increase in IgA levels.

In a separate study lead by a different ingredient supplier, a trial was conducted to see whether another immune-balancing ingredient decreases nasal congestion. During a three-month, high-pollen season, 96 seasonal allergy sufferers were given a placebo or 500 mg of a dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (EpiCor from Embria Health Sciences). Based on results from questionnaires and in-clinic exams, the ingredient was said to significantly reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

These data are published in Advances in Therapy.

 

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, January 2010