immunity

Immunity: The New-Found Consumer Interest

Immunity is at the heart of current consumer concerns, and the focus on it will increase even more with the seasonal changes. More and more, consumers are interested in taking care of their immune system. This has been proven by the booming immunity food supplement market.

Spotlight On The Growing Interest In The Immune System

Immunity is the ability of our body to defend itself against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and others. This defense mechanism is possibly manifested through the immune response. It is a network of cells, tissues and organs that fight foreign substances.

Our body has two types of defensive immune responses :

  • The innate immune system is the first natural response to protect against pathogens, and is known to be non-specific to any sort of infectious agent.
  • The adaptive immune system is a later response that takes longer to activate the components involved, but is specific to the antigen that has induced a reaction in the past. It is the body’s immunological memory.

Our immune system can be influenced by different factors. Some are uncontrollable like genetics, age or gender. Others are controllable like nutrition, smoking or stress. Therefore, lifestyle has an impact on the quality of the immune system. Age also affects immunity. Indeed, when people get older, their immune system is less efficient, and they are thus more exposed.

In addition, nutrition is essential for the proper functioning of immunity. Poor diet and poor nutritional status can compromise immune function and increase the risk of infection. Several micronutrients are essential for immunocompetence and a deficiency in these nutrients can predispose one to certain pathologies.

Our immune system is constantly working to defend us against pathogens. The general demands on the immune system increase with seasonal changes, particularly in winter, when infections are more numerous.

By definition, a food supplement will complement our diet and balance our nutritional intake in order to maintain an effective immune system. The food supplement can also intervene to reinforce immunity at crucial times, for example, as the seasons are changing.

The Immunity Dietary Supplement Market

In 2020, there was a boost to the global market of dietary supplements for immunity. The segment exploded in France with a 40% increase in weekly sales in the 13th week of 20201. The market should reach 28 billion dollars by 2027 with a CAGR of 7.5%2 from 2018 to 2027. This growth has been amplified by the current health crisis but the trend was already present in 2019, with 6% growth in the USA and + 12% in France. Vitamins occupy a significant share of the market. However, plant ingredients are in second place and are experiencing strong growth, driven by consumer demand in search of naturalness and plants.

The demand for immunity dietary supplements is increasing due to new lifestyles. Consumers today are aware of the link between diet and health, and many decide to take a preventive approach.

Food supplements for immunity are suitable for all types of consumers. Indeed, the versatility of the formulas makes it possible to respond to various issues:

  • The elderly become more fragile due to the weakening of the immune system over the years. Dietary supplements addressed to this target often combine the stimulation and strengthening of the immune system with relief of the joints.
  • Students and workers alike, during times of stress, can use a Vitamin C supplement, which is ideal for boosting energy and the immune system.

Naturalness, clean-label formulas and transparency in manufacturing have become essential criteria of choice for the consumer in search of preventive and natural food supplements.

To meet this growing demand, Nexira offers a wide range of all-natural botanical extracts for brands and manufacturers of immunity dietary supplements.

On the brand side, the strong demand for food supplements can be observed in all distribution channels and particularly among DNVBs. The success of these brands born on the Internet is based on a winning combo: an extensive digital presence and online sales, often associated with products or cures, personalized according to the needs of consumers.

Protect & Reinforce Immune Function with Botanical Solutions

Always in search of new natural and innovative solutions, Nexira offers a wide range of plant extracts, specialties and powders standardized in active molecules: Acerola, Ginseng, Magnesium and more!

Acerola is a natural superfruit rich in vitamin C that helps support energy and vitality. Native to Brazil, the berries are sourced through a long-term sourcing partnership, and the extracts are made in France. The technology used maintains the high vitamin C content of acerola.

Ginseng is an adaptogen that contributes to the natural defenses and proper functioning of the immune system. It can be used for enhancement of physical capacities in case of weakness.

Magnesium is an essential mineral, which plays an important role in energy metabolism. We offer Simag™, a natural marine-derived magnesium. Ten health claims are authorized for magnesium, including vitality and energy.

Immunell™, The Immunity Bodyguard

Immunell™ is an ingredient extracted from a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). It is a single source for the four semi-essential nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine and uracil. These have been used for years in nutrition that supports organ growth, the immune system and bowel function.

Indeed, Immunell™ provides the essential elements for cell renewal of the immune and gastrointestinal systems. It is an ingredient that stimulates specific internal defenses and strengthens the immune response against external factors.

Thus, Immunell™ is a perfect ingredient which acts as an immunity bodyguard. It can be used as food suplement ou in clinical nutrition, digestive health or immunity. In addition, it is made in France.

Immunity is a promise that continues to interest consumers who want to stay in good shape for as long as possible. At Nexira, we offer natural and versatile solutions to meet consumer expectations.

Innovate in your immune formulations with our unique botanical and natural solutions!


[1] Open Health 2020. [2] Market Watch, 2019

This communication is not intended to the final consumer. It provides scientific information for professionals only. Communications to the final consumer have to be checked according to local regulations in force, since the conditions of use are beyond our control. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.