Our Research

Bioactive ingredients – Yeast Beta Glucans

Beta glucans are fibers found in a variety of foods including oats, barley, seaweed, as well as many types microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungi). While they all share a “common” ß form of chemical bond between the individual glucose units, there are many subtle, but important differences in structure within the beta glucan family that lead to large differences in function and potential health benefits. See health benefits of each beta glucan source here – Immunity Ingredients At-A-Glance: Beta Glucans. When choosing a beta glucan, it is key to focus on what clinical research is available to support the ingredient’s mechanism of action, demonstrate effectiveness for the desired benefit, and show the safety of that specific strain or ingredient.  

Wellmune® (yeast beta glucan) – Immune health

Yeast-derived beta glucans usually originate from either baker’s yeast or brewer’s yeast. Even though both are beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the source matters—the beta glucans extracted from the cell walls of baker’s yeast have a different molecular branching and linkage pattern from that of brewer’s yeast, which influences the immune-modulating properties of the final product. Research supports the immune-modulating properties of baker’s yeast beta glucan—but different strains produce beta 1,3/1,6 glucans with different molecular patterns that affect their immunomodulatory activity.

Probiotics

Spore-Forming Probiotics

Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organisation as “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” While common vegetative probiotics strains are fragile through many processing conditions that foods or beverages typically go through (e.g., high heat or low moisture), spore-forming strains are resilient to heat and other harsh conditions due to their spore coat. They only germinate once conditions are ideal, such as in the human digestive tract, and as a result they can survive most manufacturing processes.

Every bacteria strain has its own strain-specific genomic and phenotypic characteristics.  

• • No two strains of bacteria are identical. 
  • Safety and clinical data from one strain cannot be used to support the safety and efficacy of another strain.  

Visit The Human Microbiome: Beyond Digestive Health – KHNI (kerry.com) for more information on the human microbiome. 

BC30™ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086®) – Digestive health, immune health, protein absorption

BC30™ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086®) is a spore-forming, patented probiotic. It’s a highly stable probiotic with the ability to survive harsh manufacturing processes, product shelf-life and the journey through the digestive system.  

For this strain, research has supported a role in: 

• • Digestive Health 
  • Immune Health 
  • Protein Absorption 

Vegetative Probiotics

Unlike spore-forming probiotics, vegetative probiotics do not have a spore coat and are found in foods or beverages in their living, active state. Examples include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

LC40® (Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716) – Women’s health, infant health, immune health

LC40® is a probiotic derived from the human breast milk of healthy mothers.

For women: LC40® has been clinically shown to support women’s health by preventing premature cessation of breastfeeding due to pain and alleviating symptoms of mammary dysbiosis. 

For babies: LC40® has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in babies.

BfM26^TM (Bifidobacterium breve CECT7263) – Infant Health

BfM26^TM is a clinically supported patented probiotic isolated from women’s breast milk that has been studied for its role in treating infantile colic.

Bio-K+ (L. casei LBC80R + L. acidophilus CL1285 + L. rhamnosus CLR2) – Digestive health, Immune health

Bio-K+ is a unique three-strain probiotic formulation containing L. acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, and L. rhamnosus CLR2 studied for its role in digestive health in individuals being treated with antibiotics or individuals with IBS.

Bio-K+ has been shown in multiple clinical trials and observational studies, conducted in hospital settings, to reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrheas (AAD) and Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile-associated diarrheas (CDAD). Studies have also shown improvements in stool consistency and frequency, reduced abdominal pain, and improved quality of life in individuals with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Botanical Extracts

Botanical extracts are ingredients or compounds isolated directly from plants. In the case of health and nutrition, they are often extracts rich in polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, or other chemicals of interest thought to be linked to a certain health outcome. A commonly known botanical extract would be curcumin-rich turmeric extract.

Not all plant extracts are supported by science. In the case above, curcumin is thought to be the compound in turmeric responsible for specific health benefits. However, curcmin content can vary from plant to plant. Extracts should be standardized to specific levels of the bioactive components that are linked to health benefits if they are to be used for health and nutrition applications (food, beverage, supplements).

Caronositol Fertility® (Myo-inositol and D-Chiro inositol) – Women’s health

Caronositol Fertility® is a patented combination of Myo-inositol (extracted from corn phytin) and D-Chiro inositol (extracted from the fruit of the carob bean tree) studied for a role in fertility in women with fertility challenges related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Sensoril® (Ashwagandha root & leaf extract) – Cognitive health

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb commonly used in ayuverdic medicine. Sensoril Ashwagandha is derived from a unique blend of both leaves and roots of the Withania somnifera plant by a totally aqueous extraction process. Clinical studies have explored its role in reducing stress, improving sleep quality, improving mood, and enhancing focus.

AyuFlex® (Terminalia chebula extract) – Joint health

AyuFlex® is a standardized dried aqueous extract derived from the ancient Indian Ayurvedic fruits of Terminalia chebula. Obtained by a patented proprietary process and standardized to Chebulinic acid & Chebulagic acid (≥ 27.0%) and Low Molecular weight Hydrolyzable Tannins (≥ 39.0%). Clinical studies on AyuFlex have explored its role in joint mobility, comfort, and reduced pain.

Capros® (Amla Fruit) – Heart Health

Capros® is a natural botanical extract, derived from edible fruits of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica). Amla or Amalaki is the most used Ayurvedic ingredient in India. It is recognized as super antioxidant (ORACFN of 47,000 µmoles TE/g). The studies below have explored the role of Capros® in multiple aspects of cardiovascular health such as endothelial function, healthy lipid profiles, and blood flow.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids serve many important roles in human health such as eye health, heart health, and brain health. You can read more about the function of Omega-3 fats in our white paper Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What Does Science Say?

Eupoly-3® (Omega-3 from fish and algae) oils are naturally sourced omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish or algae purified and blended to maximize stability and minimise off-flavour. The body of evidence for omega-3 fatty acids in health is broad, but you can see the studies done specifically on Eupoly-3® below.