New research published in the journal Pediatric Research found EpiCor postbiotic from Cargill (Minneapolis, MN) may support immune health in children aged 4-12. Cargill partnered with KGK Science Inc, a leader in natural product research, to conduct the study.
“Immune health is so important to families,” said Najla Guthrie, CEO at KGK Science. “The statistically significant positive results of this study affirm EpiCor may help support immune health in younger populations and upholds the efficacy and safety of daily EpiCor supplementation in children.”
The study was complete during the traditional cold and flu season from September 2022 to April 2023 among 256 Canadian children aged 4-12. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found a daily dose of 500 mg of EpiCor offered statistically significant benefits.
According to the company, the EpiCor group has lower severity scores on more “troublesome” symptoms such as sore throat and muscle aches and pains, the children who took the placebo were 1.7 times more likely to use prescription or over-the-counter medication compared to the EpiCor group, and daily supplementation with EpiCor was safe and well tolerated.
In addition to revealing EpiCor’s potential for children’s health, the study also pioneered new research on several fronts including the health benefits of postbiotic supplements in children, one of the few studies to use a gummy supplement and one of the first peer-reviewed studies to test a postbiotic in a gummy supplement, the company said.
Gummies have become widely popular among all ages, especially children, but not all ingredients are viable candidate because of higher water content and high heat and pressure during the manufacturing process, the company said. EpiCor is uniquely positions for use in gummies because of its “inanimate nature.”
“With a strong history of clinical success, this new research on immune support in children continues to underscore Cargill’s unwavering commitment to developing science-backed solutions that aim to positively impact people’s health and wellness across all life stages,” said Dr. Justin Green, director of scientific affairs at Cargill. “By affirming EpiCor’s efficacy in a gummy, we’re also responding to consumer preferences for alternative supplement formats.”
For more information, visit www.cargill.com or www.epicor.com.
