Respiratory health

Deadline for submission: April 10!

We want you! Scientific committee calls for cutting-edge science at Probiota Americas 2015

07-Apr-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A newly established scientific committee is set to assess cutting edge research for the Probiota Americas 2015 Scientific Frontiers poster session. Don’t miss your chance to present!

Nestlé files patent for cocoa extract allergy treatment

03-Apr-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Nestlé has filed an international patent for cocoa polyphenols as a treatment or prevention of eosinophilic esophagitis – an allergic reaction of the esophagus.

Zinc lozenges help common cold - but the required doses aren't available: Meta-analysis

17-Mar-2015 By Niamh Michail

High dose zinc lozenges may be beneficial in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms – but a lack of high dose lozenges on the market mean these benefits remain out of consumers’ reach, according to a new meta-analysis.

New patented probiotic for Nestlé toddler formula

12-Feb-2015 By Niamh Michail

Nestlé and Swedish-based supplier BioGaia have announced the launch of a new toddler formula containing the patented probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis.

Low vitamin D status may mean longer respiratory support for intensive care patients

06-Jan-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin D status may impact the duration of respiratory support required by intensive care unit (ICU) patients, according to a cohort study.

Pine bark extract may reduce symptoms & severity of common cold

12-Dec-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of supplements containing extracts from French maritime pine bark may shorten the duration of the common cold and reduces the severity of sore throat, congestion, headache, coughing and sneezing, says a new study from Italy.

Low vitamin D may increase asthma risk: Population data

30-Oct-2014 By Nathan Gray

Asthmatics with vitamin D deficiency are 25% more likely to experience acute attacks, suggests study.

Vitamin D associated with 'a range of important health outcomes', says new study

19-Sep-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased blood levels of the sunshine vitamin are associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and fractures, according to data collected in the UK over 13 years.

Australian institute to study ChromaDex's Niagen ingredient in mitochondrial respiratory conditions

04-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex Corp. announced an agreement to supply its Niagen nicotinamide riboside ingredient to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia to enable researchers there to study the ingredient’s effects in cellular and animal models of mitochondrial...

Probiotics may help elite athletes fight infections: Rugby study

24-Jun-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Daily probiotic supplements may reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections for professional rugby players, says a new study from New Zealand. 

ISAPP consensus: Gut, yes. Immunity, no (for now)

Time to recognise ‘core benefits of certain probiotics’: ISAPP

11-Jun-2014 By Shane STARLING

The evidence has grown so strong for the best-documented probiotic strains that a generic digestive health claim should exist, according to a consensus statement from leading international researchers published this week in Nature Reviews: Gastroenterology...

Zinc supplements may boost immune system in children, says Cochrane Review

15-May-2014 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of zinc may reduce diarrhea and other infections in malnourished children, according to a new review published in the prestigious Cochrane Library.

‘Cost savings and quality of life improvements’: Meta-analysis supports probiotics for common cold

08-May-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consuming probiotics may decrease the duration of common upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) by up to a day, compared to placebo, according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Probiotics may reduce children’s throat infection rate

02-May-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Children with a history of recurrent streptococcal and viral throat infections could benefit from oral probiotics, according to Italian research.

Exclusive documentary preview: MicroWarriors Special edition

MicroWarriors: Exploring probiotic power (and the powers that be)

25-Apr-2014 By Shane STARLING

NutraIngredients went to LA recently to question two leading probiotic academics about probiotics and the microbiome and which we present exclusively here. The interviews form part of a new documentary to be narrated by Leonard Nimoy, better known as...

Biothera adds to Wellmune knowledge base with method of action study

19-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

Biothera, a company long known for an extensive research program backing both its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients derived from bakers yeast, has completed a mode of action study on its Wellmune dietary supplement ingedient. 

Maternal vitamin A deficiency linked to postnatal asthma: Mouse data

13-Feb-2014

US researchers may have identified the first direct evidence of a link between prenatal vitamin A status and postnatal risk of asthma in offspring.

Herbal lozenge reduces nasal inflammation from common allergens: Study

11-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

Allergease, a dietary supplement lozenge product aimed at the allergy market, has evidence of efficacy based on the finished product formulation, according to the company’s founders.

‘Immunobiotic’ may help reduce cold, flu risk: Human data

13-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of a heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), such as cold and flu, says a new study from Japan.

Probiotics during pregnancy and infancy no benefit for asthma: BMJ analysis

10-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

While consumption of probiotics may have health benefits, preventing childhood asthma is not one of them, according to new data published in the British Medical Journal.

Review questions vitamin D for reducing chronic disease risk

06-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Low vitamin D levels may be a consequence of ill health and not the cause of chronic disease, says a new review, but industry groups have responded that supplementation is vital for bone health and should not be dismissed.

Probiotics may offer hay fever benefit: RCT data

28-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

Daily consumption ofa drink containing Lactobacillus casei may alter the way our immune cells react to pollen in people suffering from hay fever, according to new research backed by Yakult and the BBSRC.

Vitamin C, zinc and pine bark extract show common cold benefits: Study

17-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination supplement containing zinc, vitamin C and Pycnogenol, an extract from French Maritime Pine bark, may be effective in shortening duration of the common cold and lessening the seven ‘pillar’ symptoms, including runny nose, nasal obstruction,...

Probiotics (Bl-04) may reduce common cold risk in active adults: Clinical trial

14-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis subsp lactis Bl-04 may reduce the risk of the common cold (upper respiratory tract infections or URTIs) in active adults, says a new study from Australia.

Insufficient evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri and colic, say researchers

08-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

There is not enough evidence to support use of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to manage colic or prevent crying infants, according to a new analysis.

Meta-analysis: Probiotic reduces infant skin disorders (but not asthma/wheezing)

16-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling

The probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus decreases skin sensitivity in children that can reduce disorders like eczema, researchers have found after a scan of published studies – but other allergic ailments like asthma and wheezing were not affected.

RCT supports fucoidan’s potential as a ‘powerful, immune-priming agent’

16-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Dietary supplements containing fucoidan from seaweed may amplify the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccinations in the elderly, a population known to have an inadequate immune response to ‘flu vaccines, says a new study from Japan.

Garlic reduces lung cancer risk by 44%, suggests study

12-Aug-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

Consuming raw garlic could serve as a protective factor against lung cancer, even for smokers, suggests a new study by Chinese scientists.

Curcumin may protect premature infants' lungs: Study

08-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

Intake of curcumin – the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour – may provide long-term protection against potentially deadly lung damage in premature infants, according to new research.

Europharma supplement addresses calcium's role in soft tissues

05-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

EuroPharma has introduced a calcium supplement that addresses the mineral’s role in the functioning of soft tissues such as muscles and nerves instead of its usual role in bone health.

Omega-3s may boost artery function in smokers

07-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Cigarette smokers – a group at increased risk of heart problems – may benefit from daily omega-3 supplements, suggest new data from Greece.

Low vitamin D levels associated with higher respiratory illness risk among elderly

03-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

A new study has found that lower vitamin D levels is associated with a greater risk of respiratory illness among older patients.

Green-lipped mussel omega-3s reduce exercise asthma: Study

29-May-2013

New Zealand green-lipped mussel omega-3s improved respiratory function in exercising asthmatics, Indiana University researchers have found.

Vitamin D and ginger show potential in reducing asthma symptoms, new studies suggest

20-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with vitamin D or ginger extracts may help ease the symptoms of asthma, according to two new early stage research studies.

Vitamin C may protect marathon runners from colds, but what about the rest of us?

15-Feb-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing common cold for marathon runners by 50%, but there is little evidence that it helps the rest of us, says a new Cochrane review.

Yeast beta-glucan shows benefits for stressed women

08-Feb-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may help stressed women stay healthy by reducing coughs and colds, says a new study.

Probiotics show allergy, immune system benefits: Nestlé study

11-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A daily dose of Nestlé’s Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 probiotic strain may help manage allergic responses during pollen season, says a new study from the Nestlé Research Center.

Yeast beta-glucan shows benefits for ragweed allergy sufferers

04-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may reduce symptoms and severity of ragweed allergy, and boost overall ‘quality of life’, says a new study.

Multi-nutrient supplement shows big benefits for lung function in asthmatics

07-Dec-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

A supplement containing a combination of fish oil, probiotics, and extracts from fruit and vegetables may improve lung function in young asthmatics, says a new study from Taiwan.

Pycnogenol shows benefits for asthmatics: Study

07-Nov-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the French Maritime Pine bark extract Pynogenol may improve symptoms of asthma, according to results of a clinical trial. 

Randomized trials show benefits of magnesium chelate ingredient

06-Nov-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of magnesium bisglycinate chelate may reduce the frequency and intensity of pregnancy-induced leg cramps, say results from a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Echinacea extract may help prevent common cold: Study

25-Oct-2012

Daily consumption of echinacea herbal remedies could help to stave off the common cold, according to new research.

Quercetin may support lung health for smokers

11-Oct-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Increased intakes of quercetin, a compound found in fruit and vegetables, may change the expression of genetic material in the lung function of smokers and reduce the risk of lung cancer, report researchers from Yale and the National Institute of Health...

Vitamin D pills show no common cold benefits for people with sufficient vitamin levels

03-Oct-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Mega-doses of vitamin D once per month did not reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), compared to placebo, but would differences have been observed in people with lower levels?

Heat-killed bacteria may benefit immune health

20-Sep-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily intakes of a heat-treated bacterial strain Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 may reduce the incidence of the common cold in elderly people, says a new study from Japan.

Vitamin D may decrease lung infection risk in children: Study

21-Aug-2012 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to slash the risk of winter time respiratory infection by half, according to a new randomised trial.

Carotenoids may improve asthma symptoms: RCT data

06-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Increased intake of carotenoids from the diet may improve measures of asthma in asthmatic adults, says a new clinical trial.

Low vitamin D levels may worsen lung function in smokers: Study

20-Jul-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Ensuring sufficient blood levels of vitamin D may reduce the risk of reduced lung function in smokers, suggests a new study from Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

LGG probiotic may protect day care kids from respiratory illness: Study

18-Jun-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Long term consumption of milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain may protect children in day care from respiratory illness, says a new study from Finland.

Beta-glucan ingredient may benefit cold and flu symptoms

25-Apr-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of the beta-glucan based ingredient Wellmune WGP may reduce the number of days suffering from cold and flu symptoms, says a new study from the UK.