EpiCor Battles for Ingredient Idol

ANKENY, Iowa, and ANAHEIM, Calif.EpiCor will vie for the title of Digestive Health & Immunity Ingredient Idol competition at the Nutracon scientific conference at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel on Thursday, March 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. Stuart Reeves, Ph.D., director of research and development for Embria Health Sciences, will present information on EpiCors scientific validity, market acceptance and credibility. A panel of pharmacology and nutrition experts, including Anthony Almada; Jerry Cott, Ph.D.; and Gretchen Vannice, will guide discussion and ask relevant questions. Winners will be judged by attending audience members.

"The gut is extremely important for proper immune health, as GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) comprises a large part of the immune system," stated Dr. Reeves. "We look forward to presenting recent research on EpiCor that suggests its immune and prebiotic effects are complementary and help improve gut health."

Embria said EpiCor was studied in a prebiotic screening in vitro model that tested for prebiotic effects, the relative amounts of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and changes in populations of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Results showed EpiCor appeared to support gut health through a variety of mechanisms.

EpiCor, Embrias flagship ingredient, is manufactured using a proprietary technology. EpiCor contains protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and other metabolites to deliver nutritional benefits and support immune health. In 2010, EpiCor was the first immune health ingredient to receive the SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award, in recognition of the compelling clinical studies published in peer-reviewed publications such as the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Advances in Therapy and Urologic Nursing.

Nutracon is a conference focused on natural ingredients and is held alongside Natural Products Expo West. This year, its being held March 9 and March 10, 2011 at the Hilton Anaheim, is co-located with SupplyExpo.