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 »
Early human microbiome studies overlooked the mammary glands, but in 2000 the discovery of lactobacilli in healthy breast milk shifted scientific attention towards Human Milk Probiotics (HMPs) and their benefits on maternal and infant health. HMPs are the live beneficial bacteria that are naturally present in breast milk. Over the past number of years, HMPs… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition and immunity can be a difficult space to navigate. Vitamin C, zinc, probiotics, beta glucans, and selenium are among the most common nutrients or ingredients used for supporting immune health. Supporting immunity with functional ingredients is top-of-mind for many people around the world, but how do you know which ingredients and nutrients are actually… Read more »
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.
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 »
What does Vitamin C do for the immune system? Vitamin C is one of the most common nutrients that comes to mind when thinking about immunity. It is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cellular antioxidant, which means it protect cells from reactive oxygen species and cellular damage. This includes protecting immune cells from… Read more »
Beta glucans are ingredients that are becoming more and more common to see in functional foods and beverages positioned for immune health. While many people might be aware of the role of oat beta glucans for heart health, beta glucans are not just for heart health. For example, there are numerous clinical studies showing the… Read more »
Probiotics are not just for digestive health. The gastrointestinal tract is where our body is able to determine which parts of the foods we eat should be allowed passage into our body, and which should not be allowed entry. We want to absorb nutrients from the food we eat, but we do not want to… Read more »
What does selenium do for the immune system? Selenium is important in the immune system’s ability to protect against infection. Selenium is a mineral that is important for a group of proteins called selenoproteins, which have quite a few different functions in the body. Some selenoproteins, called glutathione peroxidases, are important for the body’s antioxidant system,… Read more »
The immune system is complex, and different nutrients can have different roles in supporting immunity. Zinc is one of the more common nutrients brought up in the immunity conversation, so let’s take a look at what it does. What does zinc do for the immune system? Zinc helps the body’s different defense cells develop and… Read more »
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