Cargill’s EpiCor postbiotic supports kids’ immune health, new research finds

12 Jul 2024 --- Cargill’s EpiCor postbiotic helped reduce cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, muscle aches and pains and reduced the need for medication. The children (ages 4–12) participating in a clinical trial received a daily gummy supplement with 500 mg of the postbiotic.

Cargill partnered with clinical research company KGK Science to conduct the study, which was completed during the “traditional cold and flu season” from September 2022 to April 2023. According to the researchers, children are at a high risk of acquiring cold or flu infections, while safe and productive mitigating regimens are lacking. 

“Immune health is so important to families,” comments Najla Guthrie, CEO of KGK Science. “The statistically significant positive results of this study affirm EpiCor may help support immune health in younger populations and upholds the efficacy and safety of daily EpiCor supplementation in children.”

Cold and flu season 
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in Pediatric Research, enrolled 256 Canadian children ages 4–12 attending school or daycare. The participants were randomized to daily consumption of either EpiCor or a placebo for 84 days. 

The researchers used the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flue Scale and study diary to assess the incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms and the use of medications to treat these symptoms. 

Caregivers of children supplemented with the postbiotic reported statistically significant reductions in cold and flu symptom severity compared to the placebo. Also, children taking EpiCor had lower severity scores on sore throat symptoms and muscle aches and pains than kids taking the placebo. 

EpiCor postbiotic can be incorporated into a variety of formats, including gummies (Image credit: Cargill).At the same time, EpiCor supplementation reduced the need to take traditional cold and flu medication. Children receiving the placebo were 1.7 times more likely than kids using the placebo to use prescription or over-the-counter medications during the study period. 

The report also concludes that daily supplementation of 500 mg of EpiCor was “safe and well tolerated” in the population of healthy children. 

EpiCor research 
Cargill’s postbiotic, derived from the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast), is backed by over 15 published studies. Previous research finds that the product supports immune health and positively modulates the gut microbiome in adult populations. 

The current study is among the first to evaluate the health benefits of postbiotic supplements in children and one of the few studies conducted using a gummy supplement. According to Cargill’s literature review, five studies have tested gummy supplements in children.

“With a strong history of clinical success, this new research on immune support in children continues to underscore Cargill’s commitment to developing science-backed solutions that aim to positively impact people’s health and wellness across all life stages,” says Dr. Justin Green, director of scientific affairs at Cargill. 

“By affirming EpiCor’s efficacy in a gummy, we’re also responding to consumer preferences for alternative supplement formats.”

Cargill notes that not all ingredients can be included in the ever-popular gummy supplement format. Gummies have a higher water content than traditional tablets and capsules and require high heat and pressure in their manufacturing process. The company highlights that EpiCor can be used in gummy supplements due to its inanimate nature. 

Last week, Cargill entered into an exclusive partnership with Brenntag to distribute EpiCor in most of Europe.