SternVitamin is addressing consumers’ growing demand for immune health with the help of micronutrient premixes that can be incorporated into everyday food and beverages, such as plant-based alternative drinks and ice cream. 

The latest premixes, SternDefence Kids and SternDefence Seniors, target children’s and seniors’ unique needs. Meanwhile, SternGut has been developed to focus on immunity through improved digestive health.

about one-third of the over 50s in Europe, the US and Canada have demonstrable deficiencies in one or more micronutrients, notes the company. 

“With our demand-oriented product concepts for boosting immune health, manufacturers can address an ongoing mega-trend – the rising demand for products with specific health-boosting properties,” reports Dr. Christina Mesch, product manager at SternVitamin.

Vitamin-infused sweet treats 
Mesch explains parents are looking, not only for nutritional supplements, but increasingly for products that support their children’s immune systems and reduce the risk of infection. 

“Sweet treats are part of children’s diets, and so parents are looking for healthier alternatives. We developed the premix SternDefence Kids for ice cream, which supports children’s immune systems with essential micronutrients and protects cells from oxidative stress.” 

In addition, prebiotics in the mix contribute to a healthy gut. The company also notes the premix supports mucous membrane function, which is important for immune defense. 

Meeting deficiencies in the elderly 
SternDefence Seniors, meanwhile, is targeting the elderly population, which is more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies than other groups, notes the company. 

Vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, folic acid, iron, zinc and magnesium are of particular importance in this population. 

SternDefence Seniors helps improve immune health in seniors by supplying these important micronutrients through a powdered nutritional supplement can be easily stirred into water. 

Plant substances like sea buckthorn and lycopene protect cells from oxidative stress, while green tea extract improves the functioning of immune cells and antibody reactions, especially in seniors.

Gut-immunity axis
SternVitamin is also meeting the demand for immunity with the micronutrient premix SternGut. 

This premix supports the gut-associated immune system, with a combination of micronutrients for strengthened immunity and fiber with prebiotic and immune-modulating properties, including beta-glucans from yeast and vitamin D3, which protect the upper respiratory tract. 

A version of SternGut, the SternGutV premix, gives manufacturers of oat drinks and other plant-based milk alternatives additional potential for added-value. 

Whether for stress-plagued consumers, or athletes or “weekend warriors,” plant-based drinks with SternGutV are positioned to support the immune defenses and overall fitness. 

At the same time, they feature a good taste and pleasant mouthfeel.

Deficiencies remain prevalent 
Vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B6, B12 and folic acid play a central role in the immune system, as do the minerals zinc, iron, copper and selenium. 

These micronutrients perform many functions that help the immune system, including antioxidative and antimicrobial functions, and they help to neutralize viruses and bacteria. 

An inadequate supply of them increases the risk and severity of infection. 

Immunity still hot
Innova Market Insights reports that vitamin and mineral supplements are by far the largest category in the immune health space, followed by dairy products and beverages with immune-boosting micronutrients. 

According to Innova Market Insights, “In Tune with Immune” is one of the Top Ten Trends 2021. 

The market researcher reports that six out of ten consumers worldwide are looking for foods and beverages that support the immune system.

“This trend has been going on for many years and will remain important going forward,” adds Mesch. 

The trend has also been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen a renewed focus on immunity since the beginning of the global outbreak early last year.