The IMMUSE postbiotic Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma, which won the 2023 NutraIngredients-USA Microbiome Modulation ingredient of the year award, is reported to activate key immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which are key drivers of the immune system and stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
The ingredient was developed by Kirin Holdings and Kyowa Hakko andsupported by a portfolio of science, including 15 clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy in supporting immune health.
Data from a 2016 randomized clinical trial indicated that heat-killed L. lactis significantly decreased the number of cough days and sore throat severity related to the common cold and influenza in young healthy adults (Shibata, 2016). A subsequent randomized controlled double-blind study with 111 participants reported that the postbiotic was associated with enhanced immune response, including up-regulation of antiviral gene expression levels and increased secreted IgA levels in saliva (Fujii, 2017).
There is also a sports nutrition opportunity for IMMUSE, with data from studies in healthy athletes indicating that the ingredient may promote exercise performance by supporting the immune system (Komano, 2018 and 2023).
In addition, the postbiotic has been reported to offer skin health benefits (Fujii, 2021 and Tsuji, 2021).
“With 90 years of expertise in microbial solutions, we offer science-backed, customized probiotic and postbiotic formulas for nutritional supplements, food and beverage applications and pet supplements,” said Isabelle Champié, vice president of sales and marketing at Lallemand Health Solutions. “IMMUSE from Kirin Holdings will be a great addition to our portfolio, bringing a documented solution for immune health to meet the increasing market demand.”
Postbiotics
Postbiotics were defined by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host” (Salminen, 2021).
According to Lallemand, the postbiotic supplements market was estimated to be US$10.8 million in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% to reach US$ 30.5 million by 2034.