ResistAid Ingredient Shown to Defend against Respiratory Tract Infections

A research study published this month found that supplementation with Lonza’s proprietary immune support ingredient ResistAid was associated with a statistically significant reduction (-23%) of the number of cold episodes in comparison with placebo. In addition, the percentage of study days that participants did not suffer from any cold symptoms was significantly higher in the group taking larch arabinogalactan (91.2%) compared to the placebo group (88.5%).

29 Jan 2013 --- The study, conducted by analyze & realize AG in Germany, has been published online in Current Medical Research and Opinion. In this new multi-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, researchers measured the effect of supplementation with ResistAid, a proprietary larch arabinogalactan preparation manufactured and sold by Lonza Ltd, on naturally acquired common cold episodes and its effect on cold symptoms was compared to placebo. As noted in the study, the susceptibility for common colds is often related to a weak immune status or a lack of strong immune defense. Thus, common cold was used as a model system to determine the effect of larch arabinogalactan on the human system against invading pathogens. In the study, 199 healthy adults aged 18-70 with a self-reported rate of cold incidences of at least three in the prior six months were divided into two groups, taking either a daily larch arabinogalactan supplement of 4.5 grams or a placebo for 12 weeks.  

The participants documented each common cold episode in a diary and rated 10 predefined infection symptoms on a four-point rating scale during infection period, resulting in an infection score. In addition to three prescheduled study visits, each common cold episode was confirmed by medical doctors. “The present study provided clinical evidence for the relationship found between consuming ResistAid and an ensuing reduction of the number of seasonal common cold episodes. The primary endpoint was reached with a statistical significance in the per protocol (PP) population”, said Bryan Rodriguez, Commercial and Technical Development Manager Nutrition at Lonza.

ResistAid is a natural immune support ingredient extracted from North American larch trees, consisting of larch arabinogalactan and bioactive polyphenols. It has a number of technical properties, which make it formulation-friendly in applications such as dietary supplements and functional foods. ResistAid can be used in standalone form or combined with other products to increase functionality. It is self-affirmed GRAS with notification provided to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007995.2013.765837