Kerry releases latest research backing postbiotic’s immune health potential

18 Apr 2024 --- New clinical research finds that Kerry’s postbiotic ingredient, Wellmune, trains the innate immune system — one of two primary immune system functions. The ingredient trains innate immune cells to use and store energy more efficiently to protect the body and combat potential threats effectively. Wellmune is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan postbiotic.

Innate immunity involves activating pre-existent mechanisms, including natural barriers (like skin). In contrast, adaptive or specific immunity targets a previously recognized specific microorganism or antigen. 

“Wellmune is the first ingredient that has been clinically studied as an oral immune system trainer, providing a unique way of supporting immunity and everyday health. This research offers a unique mechanism to Wellmune,” Dr. Niamh Hunt, senior global marketing manager in immune health, ProActive Health at Kerry, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“Trained innate immunity is an evolutionarily ancient process which can occur naturally in our bodies after an encounter with a pathogen. However, in recent times, scientists have learned how to exploit this natural function of the immune system in order to maintain a high-performing innate immune cell response when faced with unpredictable health challenges.”

“Wellmune is the first clinically studied innate immune trainer that has been clearly shown to train the innate immune system when consumed orally in a broad range of human populations.” 

Beta-glucan trainers  
Published in iScience, the clinical trial tested the ability of Wellmune to reprogram metabolism and drive trained immunity in human macrophages in vitro and in mice bone marrow in vivo. 

According to the research, the postbiotic works on the inflammatory and antimicrobial behavior of monocytes and macrophages — cells critical in the innate immune system — to create an environment where these cells efficiently respond to unpredictable health threats. 

Hunt highlights: “Trained innate immune cells in healthy individuals can more efficiently address foreign threats. Clinical data on Wellmune, which provides evidence of Wellmune-trained innate immunity in healthy adults and children, demonstrates fewer symptoms and reduced symptom severity experienced when encountering a broad range of foreign challenges in everyday life.”

According to the research, Wellmune creates an environment where immune cells efficiently respond to unpredictable health threats.The researchers found that the ingredient led to the formation of the Dectin-1 phagocytic synapse. This innate immune pattern recognition receptor binds beta-glucans and recognizes several pathogenic fungi. This formation resulted in lysosomal mTOR activation, metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic rewiring. 

In mice, taking the ingredient drove bone marrow myelopoiesis (cell production) and improved the responses of mature macrophages. 

Compared to other beta-glucans, Kerry notes that Wellmune offers a “unique source, structure and mechanism of action.” The postbiotic can be used in many products to support immune health, including functional foods and beverages, supplements and pet nutrition. 

Wellmune received a generally recognized as safe status from the US Food and Drug Administration and Novel Food approval from the EU and China. 

Science-backed support  
Kerry notes that training the immune system is gaining recognition as a powerful mechanism, meeting growing consumer demand for novel, science-backed ways to support their immune health. 

Hunt explains: “Consumers want to live healthier lifestyles for longer and are placing higher importance on their diet, specifically functional ingredients and sustainable products that support their health needs, beyond basic nutrition. Ingredients that are supported by science and provided at efficacious doses are key to helping consumers achieve this.”  

“By evolving our understanding of how Wellmune works to provide unique immune health benefits, we aim to reach more consumers with sustainable nutrition science-backed solutions, bettering the health of the planet and society.” 

The company’s research has highlighted the importance of good communication of science-backed benefits for healthy lifestyle products, with 79% of consumers reporting that they conduct their own research into ingredients, says Hunt. 

Kerry spots a growing consumer interest in supplements with additional benefits to immune support.Immunity-plus 
Moreover, Kerry spots a consumer interest in “immunity-plus” supplements, adding additional benefits to immune health products. 

“Fast growth in the immune market is coming from specific immune formulas that combine health benefits, for example, brain health (such as stress), combined with immune health, has become a very popular positioning since 2020,” says Hunt. 

“There is huge potential for incorporating scientifically-backed botanicals with immune-supporting ingredients in this space.”

Last year, Kerry released Wellmune Adapt, a synergy of its Wellmune ingredient with Sensoril ashwagandha and vitamin C, to help consumers get a good night’s sleep and support their immune system. 

“The surge in the market for immune health products over the past decade has been remarkable. Wellmune’s clinically proven capacity to train the immune system stands as a true beacon of innovation for the industry,” says Jordan Dow, VP at Kerry ProActive Health. 

“Wellmune is a one-of-a-kind solution that proactively tackles our customers’ pressing health and wellness concerns. With its studied capabilities for immunity defense, we’re providing a solution that fosters overall health and well-being and sets a premium standard in the industry.” 

Meanwhile, the company also released a postbiotic targeting the gut-skin axis earlier this year as consumers are increasingly aware of the link between gut health and overall wellness. Plenibiotic is a rice-derived postbiotic that is supported by scientific studies. 

By Jolanda van Hal