Nutraceuticals World (NW): What does science indicate about the connection between immune health and gut health/the microbiome?
 
Danielle Citrolo, PharmD, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc.: The small intestine houses many of the body’s immune cells. More specifically, there are more immune cells in the small intestine than any other tissue in the body. On the other hand, the good gut bacteria reside in the large intestine. Probiotics aim to restore a healthy balance of microflora in the gut by delivering live bacteria to the large intestine, which indirectly enhances immune health. IMMUSE™ in contrast, is a cutting-edge postbiotic (non-viable bacteria) that strengthens the body’s defense system by directly activating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which are mainly located in the small intestine.
 
NW: IMMUSE™ is a postbiotic that research shows can support immune health. Can you explain what this ingredient is, how it works, and how it differs from other immune health ingredients?
 
Citrolo: IMMUSE™ is a novel postbiotic for year-round, broad-range immune support. It stimulates your body’s natural defenses at the cellular level. IMMUSE™ activates a unique pDC cell that acts as a commander of the immune system. Once the pDC is activated, it stimulates the remaining immune cells, which orchestrates a comprehensive immune response. 
 
Postbiotics are inanimate microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host. Prebiotics are nutrients, such as dietary fibers and minerals, that feed and promote the growth of the healthy bacteria living in the gut. In other words, prebiotics are the food probiotics need to thrive; without prebiotics, probiotics often don’t perform as well.
 
NW: IMMUSE™ can be taken daily, offering year-round immune support. What added benefit might that offer to consumers, athletes, etc. compared to traditionally seasonal immune health products?
 
Citrolo: If your consumers live a busy lifestyle, are go-getters, or are athletes, IMMUSE™ is the science-backed immune health ingredient for them. Fatigue is a real challenge with high intensity exercise, and IMMUSE™ helps athletes not have to skip a training day. And for those who master the art of productivity, IMMUSE™ provides immune resiliency. Every person is different, but generally when IMMUSE™ is taken regularly, people can expect to experience a strong immune response. This specifically includes support even in the winter season, support at the cellular level for a comprehensive immune response, assistance in respiratory health, and assisted resiliency during high intensity exercise.
 
NW: Can you discuss the formulation potential for IMMUSE™ and how that compares with probiotics, for example?
 
Citrolo: While both probiotics and postbiotics provide a variety of health benefits, postbiotics like IMMUSE™ (being nonviable) are more stable, convenient, and easier to combine with other ingredients than live bacteria and yeasts. As a light-colored soluble powder without a strong taste, IMMUSE™ is ideal for a wide range of applications, including gummies, powders, tablets, and beverages.
 
NW: What else should companies know about IMMUSE™ and the potential it offers?
 
Citrolo: With over a decade of research, IMMUSE™ is backed by 30 published studies, including 15 human clinical trials (13 efficacy studies and 2 safety studies).