Ingredient Idol @ SupplySide West ’22: Immunity—the finalists

Which ingredient is best-in-class for immune support supplements?

Todd Runestad, Content Director, SupplySideSJ.com

January 24, 2023

Ingredient suppliers have responded to the pandemic with some new (some old but well characterized and studied) offerings to help downstream shoppers support their immune health. Which is best? We have a split decision—the People’s Choice winner diverged from the official judges! Put yourself in the chair of Idol judges Petra Erlandson from Alkemist Labs, Diana Morgan from Nutrabolt and What’s Up With Supps, and Ola Lessard, a chief marketing officer for hire (hire her!). Which is best? See for yourself here.

Balchem: Z Life Zinc Max
Cargill: Epicor Postbiotic
Stratum Nutrition: BLIS-K12

About the Author

Todd Runestad

Todd Runestad

Content Director, SupplySideSJ.com, SupplySide Supplement Journal

Todd Runestad has been writing on nutrition science news since 1997. He is content director for SupplySide Supplement Journal and its digital magazines. Other incarnations: content director for Natural Products Insider (now rebranded to SupplySide Supplement Journal), supplements editor for NewHope.com, Delicious Living!, and Natural Foods Merchandiser. Former editor-in-chief of Functional Ingredients magazine and still covers raw material innovations and ingredient science.

Connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Specialty

Todd writes about nutrition science news such as this story on mitochondrial nutrients, innovative ingredients such as this story about 12 trendy new ingredient launches from SupplySide West 2023, and is a judge for the NEXTY awards honoring innovation, integrity and inspiration in natural products including his specialty — dietary supplements. He extensively covered the rise and rise and rise and fall of cannabis hemp CBD. He helps produce in-person events at SupplySide West and SupplySide East trade shows and conferences, including the wildly popular Ingredient Idol game show, as well as Natural Products Expo West and Natural Products Expo East and the NBJ Summit. He was a board member for the Hemp Industries Association.

Education / Past Lives

In previous lives Todd was on the other side of nature from natural products — natural history — as managing editor at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He's sojourned to Burning Man and Mount Everest. He graduated many moons ago from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.

Quotes

"There is not a colds-and-flu season. There is a vitamin D-deficiency season."

"There is no such thing as inclement weather. Only improper attire."

Link answers question, "When taking magnesium, should you also take vitamin D3 2,000 IU?"

"Cannabis is nature's most nearly perfect plant."

See more from Todd Runestad

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