Larch Arabinogalactan Supports Immune Health, Reduces Colds

BASEL, SwitzerlandSupplementing with larch arabinogalactan in the form of Lonza's proprietary immune support ingredient, ResistAid, can reduce cold episodes, according to a new study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion.

The study, conducted by analyze and realize AG, was a multi-center, placebo-controlled, double blind and randomized clinical trial where researchers measured the effect of  supplementation with ResistAid on naturally acquired common cold episodes, compared to a placebo. The common cold was used because of its relation to weakened immune status or defenses.

Researchers assessed 199 healthy adults, ages 18 to 70, who had a self-reported rate of three cold incidences within the last six months, then divided them into two groups. Over 12 weeks, one group was given a daily larch arabinogalactan supplement of 4.5 grams, while the other, a placebo supplement. Participants then documented each common cold episode and rated 10 predefined infection symptoms on a four-point rating scale during infection periodforming an infection score. Each cold episode was confirmed by medical doctors.

Results showed a statistically significant, 23-percent reduction, in the number of cold episodes in those taking ResistAid compared to those taking the placebo; as well as a significantly higher, 91.2 percent, of study days that participants did not suffer from any cold symptoms compared to the 88.5 percent in the placebo group.

"The present study provided clinical evidence for the relationship found between consuming ResistAid and an ensuring reduction of the number of seasonal common cold episodes," said Bryan Rodriguez, commercial and technical development manager nutrition at Lonza.