The year 2020 marked a significant milestone for Kirin Holdings Company Limited as they received the prestigious Food Immunology Award for Applied Research for their groundbreaking work on iMUSE (IMMUSE™ in other countries). This accolade came shortly after iMUSE became the first-ever recipient of Japan’s “Foods with Functional Claims for Immune Health” label, highlighting the product’s exceptional quality and efficacy in promoting immune health.
The demand for functional foods has been steadily rising as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out products that offer tangible health benefits. In particular, the immune health category has witnessed a surge in popularity, with consumers actively seeking out products that can support their immune system. However, for a product to be classified as a functional food or beverage, its health benefits must be scientifically validated. iMUSE stands out as Japan’s pioneer in this regard, being the first branded ingredient to achieve the coveted “Foods with Functional Claims for Immune Health” label.
The Food Immunology Award for Applied Research, bestowed upon Kirin Holdings and Koiwai Dairies, recognized their exceptional contributions to the field of food immunology. The research team’s work on LC-Plasma, a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, demonstrated its ability to activate specific immune cells known as pDCs (plasmacytoid dendritic cells). These cells play a crucial role in the immune system, and the team’s findings shed light on the immunostimulatory effects of LC-Plasma, particularly its ability to stimulate type 1 IFN production in healthy individuals.
The Japanese Association for Food Immunology, comprising food scientists, medical scientists, and experts from various industries, was established with the aim of elucidating the immunomodulatory functions of foods and conducting research related to immune functions. One of the Association’s primary goals is to achieve immune function labeling, a designation that has far-reaching implications for the food industry.
The Kirin Group’s Health Science Initiative, a key component of the Group’s Vision 2027, focuses on leveraging advanced fermentation and biotechnology to create products that promote health and well-being. Through years of research into natural ingredients, cells, and microorganisms, the Group has identified materials like Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) that offer significant health benefits. The Health Science domain within the Group aims to tackle pressing health issues and enhance overall well-being by utilizing these unique materials.
iMUSE, developed collaboratively across Group companies, holds the distinction of being the first product in the Japanese food industry to provide immune system benefits on its product labels. This innovative product is available in a variety of applications to meet the growing demand for immune health products among consumers.
In conclusion, the recognition of the Scientists Behind iMUSE with the 2020 Food Immunology Award for Applied Research underscores the importance of scientific research in developing functional foods that contribute to human health. Their pioneering work on LC-Plasma and its immunostimulatory effects has paved the way for innovative products like iMUSE to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of consumers.