Branded BeniCaros, the ingredient is the company’s first to be based on its proprietary RG-I platform, which focuses on developing plant-based rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) polysaccharides.
As reported earlier this year by NutraIngredients-USA, the efficacy of the ingredient is supported by data published in Nutrients, which indicated that RG-I modulated immunity measures and the microbiota in vitro. Additional data from a proof-of-concept trial in humans showed that RG-I from bell pepper (bpRG-I) was well tolerated and enhanced innate immune responsiveness.
With demand for products with immune health properties sky-rocketing over the past 18 months after years of steady growth, and supply of key ingredients like elderberry being challenged, the launch of BeniCaros will give brands a timely alternative for their immune health formulations.
The global immune health supplements market alone was estimated to be worth US$ 16.32 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 29.40 billion by 2027, according to Fortune Business Insights.
“I have been active in this field for more than 25-years and have never seen another ingredient with such distinctive data supporting its effectiveness. Our main clinical trial demonstrates unique and very consistent effects of BeniCaros,” said Dr. Ruud Albers, CSO of Nutrileads.
“There are many immune health ingredient options out there, but very few that work like BeniCaros and even fewer that work with the same efficacy to support immune function. At a time when demand has surged for immune health solutions, we see BeniCaros as a clear and unique way to improve health and wellness.”
Dose
BeniCaros is a soluble fiber made using a proprietary process by upcycling carrot pomace, a side stream of carrot juice production. The powder is described as sustainable, tasteless, and odorless.
Data from the clinical trial indicated that as little as 0.3 grams per day was shown to be effective to support the immune system to become more responsive to potential threats and challenges while also stimulating beneficial gut microorganisms and their metabolites, which in turn support immune responses.
“Having worked with the NutriLeads team on the development of BeniCaros since 2015, I am thrilled that we can now launch BeniCaros and make its benefits available to consumers together with our partners, the food & beverage and supplement companies,” said Erik Dam, CEO of NutriLeads.
“There is no better way to get these benefits. While you can eat carrots, and RG-I is a natural component of carrots, it requires our proprietary technology to fully unlock RG-I from the carrot and make it available in the gut where it can do its work. BeniCaros delivers superior benefits for optimal health outcomes at a time when consumers want and need it most.”
First agreements for the ingredient have already been signed, and additional discussions with other food companies and supplement manufacturers are ongoing, said the company.