Wellmune

EAGAN, MN − January 31, 2013 − Biothera announced today that Joy Dubost, Ph.D., RD, CSSD, has joined its board of scientific advisors. In this role Dr. Dubost will help guide the company in its outreach initiatives to dietitians and food and beverage manufacturers for Wellmune WGP^®, Biothera’s clinically proven immune health ingredient.

Dr. Dubost is president of Dubost Food and Nutrition Solutions LLC and an expert source of evidence-based information within the food, beverage and nutrition communities. She has been a media spokesperson for a number of professional organizations and serves on the Nutrition Division leadership team for the Institute of Food Technologists. She is also a recognized speaker at industry events, a sought-after expert among professional and consumer media and has published a number of peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Dubost has worked in the areas of clinical nutrition, nutrition communications, public policy, recipe and product development, and nutrition education.

By William Sears, M.D.
Biothera Healthcare Scientific Advisory Board

Among the conclusions of a recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published online by the The Journal of Pediatrics, June 20, 2012, was that most kids under age 8 get the nutrients they need from the food they eat. In my many years as a practicing pediatrician I must disagree, particularly when it comes to immune support.

The human immune system develops over time as the body develops exposure to and memory of germs, so it needs a little help to work effectively in young children. The need for immune support is underscored given today’s unprecedented incidence of allergies and arthritis and other inflammatory diseases that are starting at younger and younger ages. Case in point: the incidence of asthma alone has doubled among children in the past 10 years.

Most children do not get enough immune support in the foods they eat, particularly fruits, vegetables and seafood high in Omega 3 fatty acids. How many children do you know that get 9 to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Most, instead, are consuming an immune-depleting diet of processed carbohydrates and white bread.

While the NIH study contends that supplements have a role in general where diet may be lacking, supplementation that specifically targets immune support is needed regardless. Until their immune systems at working optimally in their teens, kids need to augment their body’s natural defenses with supplements such as Omega-3 fish oil, fruit and vegetable extracts, or daily consumption of Wellmune WGP through supplements or as an ingredient in foods.

Dr. Bill Sears is one of America’s most renowned pediatricians and author of over 40 books on childcare. He is Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.

EAGAN, MN –June 20, 2012 – One of Canada’s largest food store chains has introduced a line of artisan breads with Wellmune WGP^®, the clinically proven, natural immune health ingredient from Biothera.

Metro, Inc.’s new Life Smart Irresistibles is a line of approximately 20 new products for people with healthy lifestyles. The artisan breads with Wellmune WGP are part of Life Smart’s Immuno Smart category of baked goods. The loaves, which are sold in the chain’s Metro and Metro Plus supermarkets in Quebec and Ontario, are available in a choice of Whole Clove Garlic Petite Artisan Loaf or Sunflower Harvest Petite Artisan Loaf.

Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system.

“Bread is an ideal food to ensure that everyone in the family can easily enjoy the daily immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP,” said Rich Mueller, president and CEO, Biothera. “We are thrilled to be a part of Metro’s Life Smart Irresistibles product family and assist in Metro’s efforts to support the health and wellness of its customers through value-added functional food products.”

“The introduction of Immuno Smart artisanal breads with Wellmune WGP brings new excitement to the bread category in Canada and is a great example of Metro’s commitment to innovation in bringing healthy, great-tasting products to customers,” said Christine Infilise, RN, Business Development, Manager, Quadra Ingredients. “The science behind Wellmune WGP made it a natural fit for Metro’s Life Smart Irresistibles line.”

Immuno Smart bread joins a wide range of innovative food and beverage products with Wellmune WGP that are available in more than 30 countries around the world.

About Wellmune WGP^®
Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China.  It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

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Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

Our team is preparing to travel to Vitafoods Europe in Geneva, Switzerland, next week. The timing couldn’t be better given the breaking news that Wellmune WGP is approved as a novel food in the EU, opening the door for broadscale incorporation of Wellmune in food and beverage products.

One year ago, the European Food Safety Authority issued a positive scientific opinion on Wellmune as a novel food.

We have two European distributors. Immetec is our primary distributor with the exception of Italy where our distributor is DKSH. According to Jan Oddvar Johansen, Immitec chairman, “Wellmune WGP is finally ‘ready to go’ in the European Union. The food and beverage industry has an unprecedented chance to capitalize on the commercial potential of introducing Wellmune to a market of savvy, increasingly health conscious consumers.”

He added, “The fact that Wellmune WGP will finally be available in Europe should transform the way in which governments, business and consumers approach preventative health. Make no mistake, this breakthrough could dwarf the impact that Omega 3 had several years ago.”

If you’re attending Vitafoods, be sure to visit Immitec at stand 1239 for more information. Several Wellmune experts from Biothera will be attending as well and we’re eagerly awaiting the NBT 2012 awards ceremony, as Wellmune is a named a finalist in the R&D category!

Elaine Watson of Nutraingredients-USA.com caught up with Rich Mueller, Biothera healthcare group president, to discuss the challenges manufacturers face to support immune health claims. Mueller noted that using vitamins and minerals is not enough and that it takes ingredients based on numerous clinical studies demonstrating the direct correlation between a specific ingredient strain and the immune health benefit. The story also included mention of Praeventia Cookies with Wellmune WGP from Biothera now available at 500 Walmart stores.  Biothera” ‘Using vitamins and minerals alone to support immune claims is not enough’

EAGAN, MN – April 11, 2012 – Shoppers at 500 Walmart stores in 43 states nationwide can now take a bite-size approach to healthier snacking with the introduction of nutritious Praeventia cookies, made with Wellmune WGP^® and other specially selected ingredients.

Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system.

Praeventia cookies are also loaded with polyphenols (antioxidants), 16 percent of recommended daily dietary fiber and whole grain. Along with Wellmune WGP to support immune health, the cookies also contain prebiotic inulin fiber to support digestive health. A product of Groupe Biscuits Leclerc Ltd., Praeventia cookies contain no trans fats and are low in saturated fats and sugar.

“We believe the addition of Praeventia cookies aligns with Walmart’s overall commitment to offering nutritious food choices to consumers,” said Frédéric Langlois, vice president of R&D at Groupe Biscuits Leclerc. “The carefully chosen ingredients make Praeventia cookies a great option for customers who want their food dollar to support an overall healthier lifestyle.”

“We are thrilled that the world’s largest retailer will now carry Praeventia cookies with Wellmune WGP,” said Rich Mueller, president and chief executive officer, Biothera. “Praeventia cookies are a great example of innovations in functional foods that offer consumers foods that are healthier yet don’t compromise convenience or taste.”

There are two varieties: Ginger and Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry. They are conveniently packaged in seven single-serve pouches per box. Each serving has about 150 calories.

The Praeventia ginger cookies contain: Wellmune WGP, a natural ingredient derived from a yeast β-glucan for a healthier immune system; ginger, also known for its polyphenol (antioxidant) content and the whole oat, a whole grain, contributes daily dietary fiber. The Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry also includes polyphenols.

About Groupe Biscuits Leclerc

Founded in 1905 by François Leclerc, Groupe Biscuits Leclerc has grown tremendously in the last 15 years and boasts five ultramodern plants and more than 570 employees. The family-run company is headquartered in François Leclerc Industrial Park in the Quebec City suburb of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures.

Leclerc specializes in manufacturing cookies, snack bars, crackers, and breakfast cereals, and exports to more than 20 countries. With its product lines of healthy, nutritious foods, it is known as an innovative company attuned to the tastes and needs of informed customers who care about the food they eat and like to treat themselves to life’s pleasures.  For more information about Praeventia, visit http://www.praeventia.ca/en/index.php.

About Wellmune WGP

Wellmune WGP is a natural carbohydrate that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

By William Sears, M.D.

There’s an easy way to keep in mind what you can do to support a healthy immune system. I’ve dubbed it the Four Pillars to a Healthy Immune System. Just remember what the the acronym LEAN:

L is for LIFESTYLE – Make health your hobby. By boosting your immune system you’re boosting your ability to stay healthy.

E is for EXERCISE – Exercise helps mobilize the immune system for health. Try to squeeze in even 10-minute activity breaks most days of the week.

A is for ATTITUDE – Stress weakens the immune system by producing excess stress hormones that slow the body from healing. Take time out for meditation or otherwise shift gears away from life’s stresses every day.

N is for NUTRITION – Everyone’s heard the adage, “You are what you eat” and what you eat will make a difference in immune health. To keep nutrition simple, focus on the 5 S’s. Nothing makes the list without passing my  “show me the science behind it” test:

• Seafood
• Salad – including an abundance of bright colored vegetables
• Smoothies – nutrient-rich and filling (see recipe in our next post)
• Spices – think turmeric, ginger and black pepper
• Supplements, including Omega 3 fish and Wellmune WGP^® daily to enhance your body’s immune responses to a wide range of health challenges

Click here for more about Dr. Sears’s thoughts on immune health.  A father of eight children, ages 16 to 41, and an author of over 40 books on childcare, Dr. Sears has been a practicing pediatrician for more than 35 years.  He received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the largest children’s hospital in the world.

Biothera customer ResVez, Inc. is debuting the first gourmet nutrition bar with Wellmune WGP at the Fancy Food Show January 15-17 in San Francisco. The TravelTime bar is available in a choice of Granola Citrus Burst or Almond Coffee with chocolate chips. In addition to containing Wellmune WGP to activate the immune system, TravelTime bars also include Resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. Click here to learn more about this uniquely healthy snack good for anyone on the go or visit ResVez at Booth 363, North Hall, Moscone Center.

Sherry Torkos, fitness expert and holistic pharmacist, dropped by Breakfast Television at City-TV Toronto to discuss natural ways to keep healthy.

Sherry isn’t all work and no play; she shared a sneaky way to get healthy by eating Praeventia cookies that are great for kids and adults alike. The cookies contain whole oats, polyphenols (antioxidants) and Wellmune WGP^®, a natural ingredient that improves resistance to stress and mobilizes immune cells without over-stimulating the immune system. These are ideal for school lunch boxes.

Ever notice how lethargic you become when you’re feeling under the weather?  With a healthier immune system, chances are that you’ll notice an increase in energy. Try Praeventia or other Wellmune WGP^® products today.

What you eat can be responsible for contributing to, or helping to prevent, health problems. But some foods may cause intolerance or allergic responses. You also want to avoid most processed foods, such as cereals, because they typically contain excess amounts of sugar and salt. Some also contain preservatives, such as sulphates, that may negatively impact the immune system. And try to stay away from foods that are high in fat – particularly saturated fats – and cholesterol, as well as low density foods (sometimes called “empty calories”).

Just as you might think about eating better and choosing ingredients to prevent serious diseases, you may also rely on good nutrition and healthful products to reduce your risk of getting miserable coughs, sore throats and fevers associated with cold and flu.