The companies have agreed to a contractual agreement that ensures B&D will become the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Epicor and the primary U.S. distributor for eXselen, said the companies in a joint statement.
The EpiCor ingredient is an all-natural high-metabolite immunogen, and has been seen to have the antioxidant (ORAC) potency three times that of any known fruit; to cause a four-fold increase in the activity of 'natural killer' cells, which guard the immune system; to activate human B cells that help transfer lymphocytes from the blood to the tissues; and to strengthen the human mucosal immune barrier, which protects against invasion.
Immune health is big business in the United States, worth around $1 bn sales each year.
eXselen is a highly-bioavailable organic selenium yeast ingredient.
The selenium yeast growth process used in the manufacturing of the eXselen brand ingredient produces high levels of selenomethionine, an organic form of selenium that rapidly metabolizes within the body, according to Embria.
"B&D Nutritional Ingredients is an ideal fit for Embria's distribution and sales goals," said Paul Faganel, president, Embria Health Sciences.
"We respect B&D's work within the raw material industry and know that this relationship will be instrumental in further educating customers on EpiCor's immune balancing properties and eXselen's guaranteed high levels of organic selenium."
Bill Van Dyke, president of B&D Nutritional Ingredients said the agreement was the perfect partnership for both companies.
"Embria's ability to deliver high-quality, research-based natural ingredients mirrors our organization's mission to partner with premier raw-material manufacturers that are essential to the dietary supplement industry.
For Embria, the strength of our relationships will bring new customers to know and utilize EpiCor and eXselen to their full potential.
Collectively, we will work to expand the business," he said.