Patrick Morris, Fortitech11.15.11
With the winter cold and flu season upon us, many consumers are looking for products that can help to boost their immunity. And, perhaps one of the most convenient applications for these products is a shot, or single-dosage product. In the past, these types of products predominantly targeted energy. But these delivery systems have since migrated into the areas of heart, bone and joint health, to name a few.
Consumers’ daily lives are filled with stress, lack of sleep and the possibility of developing nutrient deficiencies—all of which can compromise the immune system. The digestive health is linked to the immune system because it is in the digestive system that nutrients are most absorbed by the body.
Many drinkable yogurts today feature label claims stating that they support the immune system due to their prebiotic (fiber) and probiotic (healthy bacteria) content. Both of these are needed to maximize the health of the digestion system and allow for maximum nutrient absorption. Of course, a manufacturer is not limited to a dairy-based product to include these food components, which leaves plenty of room for other beverage choices in a shot format.
Some of the nutrients that have been touted to aid in boosting immunity include zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, green tea, curcumin, echinacea and boswellia. While creating fortifiedshots can offer manufacturers an opportunity in a growth market category such as immunity, blending nutrients is a science involving consideration of many factors such as interactions, bioavailability, potency, quality and shelf-life. Partnering with an experienced food technologist adept at creating custom nutrient premixes can alleviate many formulation challenges.
Consumers’ daily lives are filled with stress, lack of sleep and the possibility of developing nutrient deficiencies—all of which can compromise the immune system. The digestive health is linked to the immune system because it is in the digestive system that nutrients are most absorbed by the body.
Many drinkable yogurts today feature label claims stating that they support the immune system due to their prebiotic (fiber) and probiotic (healthy bacteria) content. Both of these are needed to maximize the health of the digestion system and allow for maximum nutrient absorption. Of course, a manufacturer is not limited to a dairy-based product to include these food components, which leaves plenty of room for other beverage choices in a shot format.
Some of the nutrients that have been touted to aid in boosting immunity include zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, green tea, curcumin, echinacea and boswellia. While creating fortifiedshots can offer manufacturers an opportunity in a growth market category such as immunity, blending nutrients is a science involving consideration of many factors such as interactions, bioavailability, potency, quality and shelf-life. Partnering with an experienced food technologist adept at creating custom nutrient premixes can alleviate many formulation challenges.