EpiCor® postbiotic produces immune-related biomarker changes within hours

Key Takeways

• Study captures early immune-related responses within one to three hours of a single dose
• Results offer new insight into the biological processes behind the postbiotic's clinically demonstrated immune health benefits
• Findings build on two decades of research and more than 15 published studies supporting EpiCor

WAYZATA, Minn., August 13, 2026 - New research published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition finds that EpiCor^® postbiotic produces measurable changes in immune-related biomarkers within three hours of consumption. Conducted by scientists at NIS Labs in collaboration with Cargill, the study offers new insights into the rapid biological processes behind the postbiotic's immune health benefits.

Backed by more than 15 published studies, EpiCor is one of the most extensively researched postbiotics available, with clinical studies in both adults and children. This latest research helps explain what happens in the body during the first few hours after consumption.

"Multiple clinical trials have previously shown that long-term consumption of EpiCor supports immune health," said Gitte Jensen, PhD, director of NIS Labs and lead investigator of the study. "What excites us is seeing responses at one, two and three hours, suggesting a coordinated biological response to a single dose compared with placebo. These early mechanistic responses after a single dose may contribute to the longer-term immune-supportive effects reported for this postbiotic."

Thirty healthy adults, age 18-60, completed the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Participants consumed either a single 500 mg dose of EpiCor or placebo, with blood samples collected before consumption and over the following three hours to evaluate changes in select immune-related biomarkers. Key findings include:

• Rapid immune communication. Measurable changes in immune-related biomarkers were observed within three hours of a single dose, indicating that the ingredient begins interacting with the body's immune system shortly after consumption.
• Targeted immune response. Compared with placebo, EpiCor was associated with lower levels of several inflammation-related biomarkers within one-to-three hours. The findings suggest the postbiotic was associated with changes in biomarkers linked to specific immune pathways rather than prompting broad suppression of immune function.
• Immune cell activity aligned with previous clinical findings. Researchers observed changes in immune cell behavior that help explain how EpiCor may support immune health, building on earlier clinical studies showing benefits during seasonal immune challenges.

Postbiotics represent a relatively new area of nutrition science, and researchers are still working to understand how individual postbiotics interact with the body.

"Human research exploring what happens during the first few hours after consuming a postbiotic remains limited," said Justin Green, Ph.D., scientific affairs director for EpiCor at Cargill. "This study helps fill that gap by identifying early biological responses associated with consumption of EpiCor, adding to our understanding of how interactions in the gut may influence immune responses and reinforcing why ingredient-specific research matters."

Building on two decades of clinical research, the study adds to the robust body of immune-relevant evidence supporting EpiCor. By illuminating the rapid biological mechanisms at play, Cargill continues to lead in postbiotic science, providing brands and consumers with greater insight and confidence in the ingredient's performance.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 155K+ employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing-today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About NIS Labs

NIS Labs is an independent research organization specializing in the scientific evaluation of natural products, dietary supplements, and functional ingredients. Since 1999, the company has provided laboratory and clinical research services to support product development, mechanism-of-action studies, and evidence-based product differentiation. NIS Labs works closely with industry partners to develop strategic research programs that integrate in vitro testing, human clinical studies, and scientific publication. The company's areas of expertise include immunology, barrier function, healthy aging, nutrition, and other physiological systems relevant to human health. Through a combination of laboratory innovation and clinical research, NIS Labs helps translate scientific findings into meaningful insights for both industry and consumers. For more information visit nislabs.com and quiet-study.com.