Dutch ingredient supplier NutriLeads recently launched its new immune health ingredient BeniCaros. Formulated for immune support from upcycled carrot pomace, the extract, which is high in a polysaccharide called rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) is clinically-supported to offer long-term immune support.
 
Pre-clinical and in vitro research provides evidence that RG-I has a dual mechanism of action by which it can confer immune health support, NutriLeads said, with efficacy achieved in these trials using a dose of 0.3 grams per day, based on in vitro analysis which suggests immunostimulatory effects of this polysaccharide in the gut, which can be sourced as a byproduct from both bell peppers and carrots. It is believed to exert beneficial effects by inducing helpful changes to gut microbiota, and by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids.
 
“I have been active in this field for more than 25 years and have never seen antoher ingredient with such distinctive data supporting its effectiveness,” Dr. Ruud Albers, CSO of Nutrileads, said. “Our main clinical trial demonstrates unique and very consistent effects of BeniCaros. There are many immune health ingredient options out there, but very few that work like BeniCaros and even fewer that work with the same efficacy to support immune function. At a time when demand has surged for immune health solutions, we see BeniCaros as a clear and unique way to improve health and wellness.”
 
BeniCaros is a soluble fiber which is made from a side stream of carrot juice production. The sustainably-produced, tasteless, and odorless powder is made with no artificial additives, which makes it friendly to clean-label formulations, and it can be formulated into most functional food, beverage, and supplement formats.
 
“Having worked with the NutriLeads team on the development of BeniCaros since 2015, I am thrilled that we can now launch BeniCaros and make its benefits available to consumers together with our partners, the food and beverage and supplement companies,” Erik Dam, CEO of NutriLeads, said. “There is no better way to get these benefits. While you can eat carrots, and RG-I is a natural component of carrots, it requires our proprietary technology to fully unlock RG-I from the carrot and make it available in the gut where it can do its work.”
 
NutriLeads has signed its first agreements and is in further discussions with food companies and supplement manufacturers to incorporate BeniCAros into dietary supplements and functional food and beverage products.