The Stem & Root Daily Immunity product is the first commercial launch for BeniCaros, which is composed of plant-based rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) polysaccharides extracted from carrot pomace. The ingredient was developed by Netherlands-based NutriLeads and officially launched in the US in October of last year.
“In the past couple of years, the industry has been inundated with hundreds of new immunity SKUs,” Kyle Garner, General Manager of Stem & Root, told NutraIngredients-USA. “Nearly all of these rely on traditional ingredients like vitamin C and elderberry. We knew Stem & Root could deliver a strong product in this space, but we weren't interested in a 'me too' product.
“With BeniCaros, we were able to enter the market with a breakthrough upcycled ingredient supported by clinical evidence that trains the immune system to be fit all year round.”
Science
As reported previously by NutraIngredients-USA, RG-I may modulate immunity measures and the microbiota in vitro. Additional data from a proof-of-concept trial in humans showed that RG-I was well tolerated and enhanced innate immune responsiveness.
Subsequent data published in Microorganisms (2021, doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9102142) indicated that the carrot-derived RG-1 may also possess prebiotic potential.
Results from a controlled, randomized, double-blind dose-response study of RG-1 on early innate immune and anti-viral responses following a standardized an attenuated rhinovirus (rhinovirus strain 16, RV16) challenge revealed that daily consumption of BeniCaros prior to the rhinovirus infection significantly accelerated protective innate immune and antiviral responses, resulting in a 20% reduction in severity of symptoms, and a 25% reduction in symptom duration. The data was published in Nutrients (doi: 10.3390/nu13124395).
Commenting on the Stem & Root product launch, Erik Dam, CEO of NutriLeads, said: “We are proud to collaborate with Stem & Root, a natural product line of Bayer. Bayer is a Company that sets the bar in terms of the supplement industry’s highest standards with products that contain scientifically substantiated ingredients.
“We are thrilled that our BeniCaros will now be available to consumers in Stem & Root Daily Immunity to train their immune system to be fit all year round.”
Stem & Root range
Stem & Root Daily Immunity joins the brand’s other products, which include: Sleep Well; Aches Goodbye; Brain Boost; and Active Focus.
Garner noted that the brand’s lineup of supplements is backed by over 100 clinical trials.
“As consumers continue to expand supplement usage and explore the power of botanicals, we wanted to ensure they don't have to sacrifice performance. Each ingredient is curated and supported with clinical trials to verify its benefit,” he said.
