New research published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition finds that EpiCor® postbiotic produces measurable changes in immune-related biomarkers within three hours of consumption. Conducted by scientists at NIS Labs in collaboration with Cargill, the study offers new insights into the rapid biological processes behind the postbiotic’s immune health benefits.
Backed by more than 15 published studies, EpiCor is one of the most extensively researched postbiotics available, with clinical studies in both adults and children. This latest research helps explain what happens in the body during the first few hours after consumption.
“Multiple clinical trials have previously shown that long-term consumption of EpiCor supports immune health,” said Gitte Jensen, PhD, director of NIS Labs and lead investigator of the study. “What excites us is seeing responses at one, two and three hours, suggesting a coordinated biological response to a single dose compared with placebo. These early mechanistic responses after a single dose may contribute to the longer-term immune-supportive effects reported for this postbiotic.”
Thirty healthy adults, age 18-60, completed the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Participants consumed either a single 500 mg dose of EpiCor or placebo, with blood samples collected before consumption and over the following three hours to evaluate changes in select immune-related biomarkers. Key findings include:
- Rapid immune communication.Measurable changes in immune-related biomarkers were observed within three hours of a single dose, indicating that the ingredient begins interacting with the body’s immune system shortly after consumption.
- Targeted immune response. Compared with placebo, EpiCor was associated with lower levels of several inflammation-related biomarkers within one-to-three hours. The findings suggest the postbiotic was associated with changes in biomarkers linked to specific immune pathways rather than prompting broad suppression of immune function.
- Immune cell activity aligned with previous clinical findings. Researchers observed changes in immune cell behavior that help explain how EpiCor may support immune health, building on earlier clinical studies showing benefits during seasonal immune challenges.
Postbiotics represent a relatively new area of nutrition science, and researchers are still working to understand how individual postbiotics interact with the body.
“Human research exploring what happens during the first few hours after consuming a postbiotic remains limited,” said Justin Green, Ph.D., scientific affairs director for EpiCor at Cargill. “This study helps fill that gap by identifying early biological responses associated with consumption of EpiCor, adding to our understanding of how interactions in the gut may influence immune responses and reinforcing why ingredient-specific research matters.”
Building on two decades of clinical research, the study adds to the robust body of immune-relevant evidence supporting EpiCor. By illuminating the rapid biological mechanisms at play, Cargill continues to lead in postbiotic science, providing brands and consumers with greater insight and confidence in the ingredient’s performance.
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