Carrot-based fiber slashes cold duration by 25%, reveals NutriLeads immunity study

21 Jan 2022 --- A NutriLeads study has revealed its BeniCaros fiber ingredient can support the immune system and reduce symptoms of common colds in humans.

“For consumers, this means that the daily dietary intake of BeniCaros can lead to clinically relevant effects and that it helps their immune system to be fit,” NutriLeads CEO Erik Dam tells NutritionInsight.

“Consumers have always looked at ways to support their immune system and due to the pandemic, the awareness of the importance of a healthy immune system has further increased.” 

The product is made using upcycled carrot-derived rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) fiber and is commercially known as BeniCaros.Consumer concerns for immunity increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Reducing rhinovirus symptoms
The study examined how BeniCaros could impact peoples’ responses to an experimentally induced mild rhinovirus infection. A total of 146 healthy adults were given the product or placebo for eight weeks, after which they were exposed to a standardized dose of an attenuated rhinovirus through their nose.

The results revealed individuals who took BeniCaros had a 20% reduction in the severity of symptoms and a 25% reduction in symptom duration.

“The impact of cRG-I on the immune response observed in this nutritional intervention study is the biggest that I have ever seen with this model,” says René Lutter, principal investigator at the Amsterdam University Medical Center. 

“It is clinically relevant and especially exciting because fast innate antiviral and immune responses are important for limiting infections with respiratory viruses.” 

The results build on previous studies carried out by the company that highlight immunity-supporting plant compounds.

Training immune system
BeniCaros is touted as helping to support the immune system in a different way to micronutrients. 

“The immune system needs vitamins and minerals to be able to function normally. However, to be at its best, the immune system also needs to be trained,” Dam highlights. 

“BeniCaros trains the immune system and this helps to support innate immune responses. The increasing demand for natural ingredients with immune health-supporting properties and heightened awareness of self-care are expected to continue boosting the demand for immune health ingredients and supplements through this year.”The severity of symptoms were reduced by 20% in people who took the supplement. 

Growing consumer demand
According to Dam, immune support was among the top three reasons consumers purchased supplements prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Since the pandemic, consumers around the world have an even greater awareness of self-care as it relates to immunity, seeking out products offering immune-supporting benefits as a preventative measure,” he says.

“More than ever, consumers are looking for functional foods and supplements to address their desired health benefits – with immune support being high on their agenda.” 

This is reflected in companies providing offerings in a variety of formats, including fortified beverages and foods, in a bid to stay abreast of alternative demands due to pill fatigue. 

BeniCaros was recently launched in the US and is set to be rolled out in Europe in the near future. Previous studies highlighted its prebiotic properties aiding gut and immune health.

By Andria Kades