Functional Nutrition Trends: Immunity-Boosting Ingredients

Probiotics and prebiotics are also increasingly being used in products with immunity claims. Consumers are learning more about how to manage their digestive health, with more than one-third (37%) of U.S. consumers reporting they are extremely or very interested in the gut microbiome.3 Researchers continue to explore the link between the gut microbiome and overall immune health.

For example, prebiotics, a type of dietary fiber found primarily in fruit, vegetables and legumes, help create healthy bacteria that aid in digestion, and may offer important immunity benefits as well. Inulin, a prebiotic naturally found in vegetables like sugar beets and chicory roots, is being studied for its ability to increase cytokine secretion and the activity of natural killer cells, thereby boosting immune response.

Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables can be a valuable addition to immunity-focused food and beverage products. The freeze-drying process not only preserves the natural shape, color and flavor of fruit and vegetables, it also helps retain key nutrients. In certain fruits, such as tomatoes and blueberries, freeze-drying has been shown to release additional antioxidant compounds that are trapped in the walls of the plant cells. These antioxidant properties can offer therapeutic and preventative health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and protecting against certain diseases and cancers.⁴
With no added sugars, artificial preservatives or carriers, freeze-dried ingredients also sync with consumers’ desire for clean-label ingredients and healthier formulations.