Anlit launches probiotic, zinc and elderberry gummies amid rising immune health demand

02 Jun 2020 --- Israel-based supplements manufacturer Anlit has added three nutraceuticals to its VitaBites immune health product portfolio. Long Life Probiotic (LLP) Immune Probiotics, Zinc and Elderberry (Sambuca nigra) bites have arrived as all-natural, immunity-support gummies shaped as cubes and bears. All three are also market-ready for supplement providers’ adaptation into customized functional formulations. This move demonstrates how the company caters to the rising demand for immunity boosting dietary supplements as well as the shift away from conventional pills are toward more family-friendly chewables.

“The advantage of Anlit VitaBites products is the high dosage form – they are smooth and chocolate-flavored. They can make the consumption of immune products easier and boost compliance,” David Gabbay, Vice President of Marketing at Anlit, tells NutritionInsight. “This is just the beginning and we look forward to more exciting innovations in the future,” he continues.

Gabbay emphasizes that the movement away from pills is being driven by the large supplement tablet sizes, which are not ideal for children, pregnant and elderly consumers. This has evolved into a rising demand to integrate dietary supplements into food products, such as yogurts, chocolates, and beverages.

These products furthermore come as the latest additions to Anlit’s existing chewable supplement portfolio that deliver cranberry-flavored and omega 3 supplements for women’s health. 

The power of probiotics
Supported by DuPont, Anlit’s LLP Immune Probiotic bites build upon its existing LLP Probiotic product, which consists of two active probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis (Bl-04) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14). Both have established and uniquely beneficial effects on respiratory function. The gummies also include native chicory inulin, which is added for digestive support with additional options to include vitamins C and D, and zinc. A DuPont study from last year also spotlighted the benefits of these two strains for digestive health.

Anlit's KidiBites and LLP products tap into the growing naturality and immune health trends.Anlit further highlights that the probiotic strains can help address respiratory and common cold-associated symptoms, including fever, rhinorrhea and cough. The prebiotic inulin fiber helps maintain gastrointestinal health and immune function by feeding healthful bacteria and restoring a proper balance of essential intestinal microflora, according to the company. 

“Our formulation is based on clinical trials conducted on probiotic strains developed at Danisco labs, and are the precise strains we incorporated into our products,” says Gabbay. “These strains have demonstrated abilities to delay the onset of respiratory tract illnesses compared to placebos and support the immune system.”

The LLP Immune Probiotic bites are produced by LLP Technology that creates stable probiotics in a flavorful, chewy supplement. Using this technology facilitates the products’ high stability performance in room temperature up to 24 months at 25°C. The technology also protects the active probiotic bacteria from the harsh conditions of the stomach, without hindering colonization, thus ensuring that the bacteria thrive inside the colon.

Child-friendly delivery formats
The Zinc KidiBites come in bear-shaped form, aiming to support positive associations with dietary supplements from an early age onward. These are available in blister packs of 23 mg zinc citrates with Elderberry. Meanwhile, the Elderberry KidiBites contain 50 mg of the flowering plant and 10 mg zinc, which can also optionally include vitamin C and D. The company further notes that both of these ingredients experienced “colossal demand” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Considering zinc has proven its potential in shortening the duration of a cold and reducing the number of upper respiratory infections in children, the company highlights zinc as a popular supplement for relieving common cold symptoms. Meanwhile, the Elderberry KidiBites are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, as well as vitamins with immune boosting properties, such as vitamin C. “After echinacea, [elderberry] is one of the most researched herbs for the immune system and upper respiratory tract infections,” states Gabbay.

Anlit also underscores how black elderberry extracts have been shown to reduce the severity and length of certain types of influenza. The company highlights it has already received orders from a few customers for the ElderBerry KidiBites.

Besting flavor challenges 
Usually, the taste of the active ingredient is not appealing, according to Gabbay, which can be difficult for frequently supplementing consumers. “Some of the ingredients do not taste too good, so we must find innovative ways to make delicious VitaBites with these challenging ingredients,” he affirms.

In response, the three products are available in a chocolate-, vanilla- or fruit-flavored soft-chew matrix, with a smooth and enticing texture to aid consumers who have a general reluctance for supplementing. The kosher- and halal-certified VitaBites are manufactured using 100 percent natural ingredients and are non-GMO, gluten-, sugar- and trans fat-free. 

Looking forward, Gabbay concludes its next innovative delivery system will focus on sugar reduction in prebiotic fibers. 

By Anni Schleicher