IMMUSE™ Postbiotic Named Ingredient of the Year: Microbiome Modulation
Winner of the 2023 NutraIngredient-USA Inaugural Award for Its Unique Approach to Supporting Immune Health and Scientific Substantiation
In the competitive field of biotics, which has expanded beyond probiotics and prebiotics to include postbiotics, synbiotics and phages, IMMUSE™ postbiotic has been named the inaugural winner of the Ingredient of the Year: Microbiome Modulation category at this year’s NutraIngredient-USA Awards.
IMMUSE postbiotic is a unique, patented strain of lactic acid bacteria (known as LC-Plasma) shown to provide more comprehensive immune support at the cellular level. The award-winning ingredient stands out for its innovative approach to supporting immune health and the extensive scientific and clinical research behind the ingredient’s health claims.
About The Nutralngredients-USA Awards
Now in its sixth year, the NutraIngredients-USA Awards recognize excellence in the dietary supplement industry with a focus on true innovation, long-term market success and cutting-edge research. For the products and ingredients categories, judges were looking for that triple-threat combination of scientific substantiation, commercial success and game-changing positioning.
This year the prebiotic and probiotic categories were merged to cover the entire microbiome modulation space – celebrating ingredients designed to beneficially modulate the microbiome to improve health.
The Ingredient of the Year: Microbiome Modulation award is based on the ability to show solid scientific evidence to demonstrate a unique nutritional solution. All health claims must be substantiated by clinical research, and marketed in a way that is true to that science, as well as accessible and engaging to consumers.
“In a very competitive category with lots of established ingredients, Kyowa’s IMMUSE™ Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma stood out as an interesting postbiotic product with a novel approach to supporting immune health,” said Stephen Daniells, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of NutraIngredients-USA.
“The ingredient is backed by good science, including a clinical trial with school children. Despite only being on the U.S. market for two years, IMMUSE™ Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma is already used in numerous consumer products.”
A Unique Approach to Supporting Immune Health Backed by Science
Discovered by scientists at Kyowa Hakko USA’s parent company, Kirin, IMMUSE uniquely activates a rare subset of immune cells, known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), that essentially act as leaders of the immune system. Once activated pDCs stimulate other pivotal immune cells, such as NK, Killer-T, Helper T and B cells, providing a more comprehensive approach to supporting the immune system.*
Learn More About pDCs Vital Role in the Immune System
Additionally, IMMUSE postbiotic is backed by over a decade of scientific research, including 15 human clinical trials substantiating the ingredient’s efficacy. Clinical studies have consistently and repeatedly demonstrated immune health benefits in healthy individuals, including the following claims for use:
- IMMUSE supports immune health at the cellular level.*
- IMMUSE supports healthy days.*
- IMMUSE supports respiratory health.*
- IMMUSE supports year-round health.*
- IMMUSE provides immune support during high-intensity training.*
“We are so honored that NutraIngredients-USA values the rigorous clinical testing we’ve conducted to ensure IMMUSE’s efficacy,” said Karen Todd, MBA, RD, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing, Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc.
“This is yet another testament to how critical it is that branded ingredients are clinically researched – that’s how we can prove that these products do what they say they do and earn consumers’ trust.”
Variety of Applications for Use in Final Products
In addition to scientific evidence, the NutraIngredient-USA Award judges wanted to see a wide range of examples of application for use in final products, including those already on the market.
Being a postbiotic, IMMUSE™ is very stable, even at high heat, and does not need to be refrigerated. It’s easy to ship, store and integrate into formulas.
Due its stable nature, long shelf life and flexible formulation, the ingredient can be used in a wide variety of applications, from powders and capsules to functional beverages and food. Check out all of the immune health products containing IMMUSE by clicking the button below.
Are you a manufacturer looking to differentiate your next immune health product?
Visit our For Manufacturer's Page to learn more about award-winning IMMUSE™ postbiotic and partnering with Kyowa Hakko USA.
