SternLife unveils personalized immunity formulations for 5 key demographics

22 Jan 2021 --- Functional food and supplements manufacturer SternLife has rolled out five diverse supplement concepts positioned for the immune health segment.

The range of powders varies in composition to address different target groups, such as seniors or consumers seeking more naturality.

The premixes contain scientifically backed ingredients to enable European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims and are adjustable to meet individual requirements, such as taste and new textures. 

The release is in line with accelerated trends toward health and personalization, highlighted in two of Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2021, “In Tune with Immune” and “Tailored to Fit.” 

Designed to meet demand
Current market research confirms that since COVID-19, people around the world have been consuming more products that contribute to a healthy immune system. 

For this reason, the SternLife expert team analyzed current scientific data on immune support and created five concepts for powder-based supplements. 

The Natural Immunity concept combines vitamins and minerals from seven plant sources.“Our new immunity range shows that there are several starting points for a healthy immune system. The concepts are precisely tailored towards different target groups and their individual needs,” says Dr. Jörg Schreiber, business development manager at SternLife.

“They are also free from alcohol and preservatives – ticking more boxes for the increasing number of consumers who are looking for clean labels,” he adds. 

Furthermore, the company offers the possibility to formulate some mixtures as hydrogels or hydrodispersion gels, tapping into new delivery formats. 

Hydrodispersion gels are formed by mixing a powder with liquid. This forms a jelly-like film that covers the mucous membranes in the throat and provides the active ingredients gradually via slow release. 

New textures, personalized tastes and ingredients enable manufacturers of dietary supplements to stand out from the competition, supports the company. 

Five formulations to support immunity
Vitamins and minerals form the basis of the dietary supplement concepts. A lack of zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E undermines the body’s natural defenses, notes SternLife, referring to published studies. 

SternLife’s Immune Support concept is positioned to strengthen overall immune competence with these important vitamins and minerals, and prevent infections with anti-inflammatory and antiviral plant extracts such as green tea, kudzu and elderberry. 

Immune Protect targets common cold infections, touted for alleviating typical symptoms with a composition of vitamins, minerals and selected plant extracts. Quercetin, green tea, licorice root and the Ayurvedic medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata are positioned for a positive effect on respiratory function, exerting anti-inflammatory action to help reduce cough, fever, headache and sore throat.

The Natural Immunity concept is based entirely on plant-derived ingredients to appeal to consumers who place great emphasis on naturalness. It combines vitamins and minerals from seven plant sources. The market for plant-based vitamins and minerals is just evolving, notes the company, and thus offers great potential. “Natural Immunity” includes extracts from acerola, quinoa and curry leaf, as well as 100 percent natural flavors and sweeteners. 

Meanwhile, the Immune Gut concept was developed to meet the increasing demand for probiotics with immunity claims. This formulation is a combination of active ingredients from vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, amino acids and human milk oligosaccharides. It is designed to fight nine possible causes of gastro-intestinal problems, thus promoting healthy gut flora and supporting the intestinal immune system.

Lastly, Immune Senior targets four triggers of age-related immune deficiency: nutrient deficits, inflammation, oxidative stress and imbalanced gut flora. The supplement is aimed at the growing number of healthy agers and is tailored to meet their nutritional needs. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, plus anti-inflammatory green tea extract and antioxidant whey protein isolate help to reduce nutrient deficiencies and the risk of infection in older people.

COVID-19 fast tracks trend 
Earlier this month, NutritionInsight spoke to experts about the real impact of COVID-19 on immunity, transparency and healthy aging. 

Immunity products continue to diversify across categories, including food service, as indicated in the launch of DaVinci Gourmet beverage syrups fortified with Kerry’s Wellmune beta glucan ingredient. 

Edited by Missy Green