Across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa (APMEA), immune health remains the top health benefit sought by consumers in food, beverage, and supplement choices. 

According to Kerry’s ProActive Health Research, over 54% of global consumers actively seek to support their immune health through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. In the Asia Pacific region, immune health claims are among the fastest-growing in new product launches, especially in sports nutrition, as athletes and active individuals look for products that deliver true, measurable benefits. 

For parents in the Middle East and Africa, 70% find immunity claims appealing on children’s products. Among older adults in the Asia Pacific, maximising immunity is now a top health goal, with more than half of those over 60 consuming immune-supporting foods and supplements daily. In the Middle East and Africa, the ageing population is driving demand for solutions that help maintain resistance to common illnesses and support long-term wellbeing.

Immune health needs are not static but change through different life stages and lifestyles. At certain times, such as childhood, older age, or periods of high stress or intense activity, the immune system may be developing, compromised, or placed under greater pressure. Recognising these unique needs, Wellmune® stands out as a science-backed solution where clinical data demonstrates its ability to support immunity and good health at every life stage. 

What makes Wellmune® different?

Wellmune is a baker’s yeast beta-glucan postbiotic, clinically demonstrated to train and support the immune system, the body’s first line of defense, by helping immune cells respond more effectively to unpredictable health challenges, supporting overall resilience and wellbeing. It activates the training receptors in innate immune cells, which subsequently send signals that “bookmark” the genes needed for an immune response. When “bookmarked”, these genes can be accessed more quickly for a more efficient and broader response the next time foreign pathogens attack.  At the same time, the receptors also send signals that give the cells more energy. This makes the cells better at defending the body.

Wellmune’s unique mechanism of action is backed by robust clinical evidence across all age groups and life stages. Findings consistently showed a decrease in the number and severity of reported upper respiratory symptoms, and the number of sick days experienced by participants — across a range of ages and lifestyles —with colds and flu. 

Overall, Wellmune’s efficacy is validated in diverse populations:

• Children: A daycare study found that children taking Wellmune had two-thirds fewer URTIs, six fewer sick days over 12 weeks, and were significantly healthier, with 62% reporting “good” health status. Wellmune helps keep kids healthy, reducing missed school days and supporting family health. Among parents in the Middle East and Africa, 81% would buy a product containing Wellmune.
• Stressful Lifestyles: Wellmune supports immunity during times of high stress. Clinical studies show it maintains physical health and reduces the incidence and duration of URTI symptoms in high-stress populations, including firefighters and medical students. Wellmune also provides mood state benefits, helping individuals feel better both physically and mentally.
• Athletes: Clinical studies show marathoners taking Wellmune for four weeks experienced a 40% reduction in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms and a 22% increase in vigour, with a 48% reduction in fatigue. This means more training days and better performance due to faster recovery, with robust immune resilience.
• Older Adults: Ageing brings immune challenges, but Wellmune helps keep immune cells trained and responsive. In a pilot study, older adults taking Wellmune saw a 16% decrease in total URTI days and improved responses to viral encounters and inflammation. 

“Consumers today are taking a proactive, science-driven approach to health, and immune support is a central part of that journey,” said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Nutritional Supplements, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. “Wellmune exemplifies how clinically proven, natural ingredients can support people of all ages, from children to older adults, to live healthier, and enjoy quality of life. Highly stable, neutral in taste, and versatile across applications, from beverages and gummies to functional snacks and capsules, the ease with which Wellmune can be incorporated in formulations means brands can easily bring immune health benefits to consumers. As demand for credible, evidence-based solutions continues to grow across APMEA, Wellmune is helping our partners create products that truly make a difference.”