New Human Clinical Findings Show Precision Prebiotic Benicaros® Supports Recovery of Nasal Airway Cells After Viral Challenge

NutriLeads today announced new findings from a human clinical study demonstrating that its precision prebiotic fiber Benicaros® supports the repair of nasal epithelial cells following a viral challenge. These cells form a critical first line of defense in the airways.

Published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Virology, the findings are based on transcriptomic analysis of samples collected during a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial using a rhinovirus challenge model. The analysis provides new insights into how Benicaros®, a carrot-derived rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I), helps support the body’s response to upper respiratory tract infections.

Supporting the body’s first line of defense

Nasal epithelial cells line the inside of the nose and act as a protective barrier against airborne pathogens. When viruses infect these cells, they hijack the cell’s machinery to replicate and spread.

The new analysis shows that Benicaros® helps regulate the expression of genes involved in both the body’s early anti-viral immune responses and the pathways that affect the repair of nasal epithelial cells in the subsequent recovery phase. The data suggests that dietary supplementation with Benicaros® is associated with a more effective response to infection.

“This study helps us better understand how Benicaros® works at the cellular level,” said Sue McKay, Ph.D., Nutrition & Health Manager at NutriLeads. “By supporting both the body’s initial response to viral exposure and the recovery of the airway barrier, Benicaros® helps maintain the integrity of one of the body’s key lines of defense.”

Dr. René Lutter, principal investigator and expert on the rhinovirus challenge model used in this study, commented: “The study also shows that Benicaros® may affect the regrowth of cilia on nasal epithelial cells thereby speeding up their recovery after an infection.”

Study design

Transcriptome profiles were generated from nasal epithelial samples that were collected during the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using Benicaros® in a rhinovirus challenge model. Gene expression was analyzed across multiple timepoints to understand how Benicaros® influences the body’s response to viral exposure.

Benicaros® significantly affected the sequence and intensity of various genes that regulate pathways involved in anti-viral responses and epithelial repair.

“Benicaros® is a precision prebiotic with a dual mode of action,” said Dr. McKay. “This data adds to the scientific evidence that already supports the immune modulatory capacity of this ingredient and further highlights the value of Benicaros® as a robust immune health solution.”

Download the publication here:

Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmv.70914