Immune Health

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Probiotics – Their Role in Immune Health

The Gut Microbiota The ‘gut microbiota’ refers to the microorganisms (which may include bacteria, fungi and viruses) living in our intestines and they play a vital role in gut health and the management of several gastrointestinal disorders.  The term ‘microbiome’ refers to both microorganisms along with their collective genomes and metabolites (the molecules they produce)… Read more »

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Unlocking Elderberry’s Potential: From Immunity to Innovation

The elderberry plant, Sambucus nigra L., possesses a rich history, deeply embedded in traditional medicine and folklore across continents for centuries 1, 2.  Various parts of the plant, including the bark, leaves, flowers, and berries, were utilised by ancient and native cultures for a wide array of medicinal and practical applications.  This long history as… Read more »

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The Gut Microbiome’s Impact on Premenstrual Disorder

Premenstrual disorder (PMD) encompasses a spectrum of symptoms experienced by women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, manifesting as physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that can significantly impact daily life. While the exact cause of PMD remains multifactored and complex, emerging research highlights the influential role of diet and the gut microbiome in… Read more »

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Training Your Immune System: Spotlight on Innate Immunity

Almost 100 years ago when childhood mortality due to infectious disease was high, Dr. Carl Naslund noticed that Swedish children who received a tuberculosis vaccine not only were protected from tuberculosis but were three times less likely to succumb to any disease compared with children who were not vaccinated. Decades later, this observation was noticed… Read more »

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Spotlight on Elderberry – A Natural Immune Health Support

The Elderberry Market In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘natural’ proactive and immune health solutions have been highlighted as a growing area of consumer interest, with over half of global consumers outlining a willingness to use supplements if they had a greater understanding about the ingredients those supplements contain (1).  As consumers continue to… Read more »

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Postbiotics – What Are They and How Are They Different from Other -Biotics?

Author(s): Tri Duong, PhD and Sara Llamas-Moya, PhD

A postbiotic is defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. Emerging science on postbiotics is showing a role in digestive health and even mood for humans, as well as the potential to improve the safety and efficiency of our food supply by improving animal health.

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Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What Does Science Say?

Author(s): Monica Olivarez Martin, PhD, Crisdell Codeghini MS, BPharm, Izaskun Monslave, PhD, MBA

We summarize the science of the varied roles of omega-3 fats in health, how much people consume, and the difference between fish and algal sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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Food’s Role as an Immunomodulator

Author(s): Sonja Nodland, PhD

Immunomodulators often come up in online searches about immunity’s link with food and nutrition, but what are they? In this article, Sonja Nodland, PhD provides examples of immunomodulators found in food and describes the science of how they work.

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How Do Probiotics Work?

Author(s): Maria Marco, PhD

Many people are familiar with probiotics and the health benefits they can have, like digestive health and immunity, but how do they actually work in the body to cause a health benefit? Some interact with other microorganisms in our microbiome, while others interact directly with the body’s organs.

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The Impact of Social Isolation on Eating Behaviour and Nutrition

Author(s): Caoileann Murphy, PhD, RD

Staying at home with minimal human contact can significantly increase our feelings of loneliness. People of all ages may experience loneliness. However, older people, particularly those living alone and advised to “cocoon”, are especially vulnerable. Loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact our mental and physical health (1), in part through adversely affecting behaviours like… Read more »