Seasonal Immunity: Preparing for Cold & Flu Season with Benicaros®

Seasonal changes place increased demands on the immune system, particularly during rainy and colder months when exposure to common pathogens rises. Benicaros® is a precision prebiotic fibre derived from upcycled carrot pomace, with research showing the ability to train the innate immune system to respond faster, smarter and stronger, and its capacity to specifically modulate the gut microbiota composition^1,2.

Rather than acting directly on pathogens, Benicaros® supports immune responsiveness by interacting with the gut.

Unlike conventional prebiotics that rely on individual microbiome composition, Benicaros® has been shown to deliver consistent immune benefits across different populations.

Its specific structure interacts with gut-associated immune cells, helping the innate immune system respond faster and more effectively^1,2. This makes Benicaros® particularly relevant for population‑wide products, where predictable and reliable outcomes are essential³ regardless the individual microbiome set up^3,4.

According to research, Benicaros® supports this gut–immune connection by reinforcing communication between the gut microbiota and the innate immune system through the production of immune‑relevant metabolites, including short‑chain fatty acids and indole‑3‑propionic acid^4,5. Additionally, recent research demonstrated that Benicaros® improved gut microbiota balance, increased beneficial Bifidobacteria and supported immune cell priming, further strengthening the evidence for its role in gut and immune health⁶.

For formulators, Benicaros® offers advantages beyond its clinically researched immune and gut health benefits. Its excellent organoleptic properties ensure no negative impact on taste, odour or texture, while its low-FODMAP status makes it suitable for consumers following a low-FODMAP diet.

Benicaros® is available in the standard grade SF P, at a daily serving of 850mg, and the recently Novel Food approved SF Pure P, a more concentrated version designed to provide the same cRG-I intake at just 300mg per day. Together, these options offer greater formulation flexibility across a wide range of supplement and functional food applications.

Discover more on this innovative solution for immunity and gut health, contact the team or download the Benicaros® product information here.

References
_{(1) Van den Abbeele et al. Carrot RG-I Reduces Interindividual Differences between 24 Adults through Consistent Effects on Gut Microbiota Composition and Function Ex Vivo: doi.org/10.3390/nu15092090. Pub April 2023.
(2) Lutter et al. The Dietary Intake of Carrot‐Derived Rhamnogalacturonan‐I Accelerates and Augments the Innate Immune and Anti‐Viral Interferon Response to Rhinovirus Infection and Reduces Duration and Severity of Symptoms in Humans in a Randomized Trial: doi: 10.3390/nu13124395. Pub Dec 2021.
(3) McKay et al. Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Carrot-Derived Rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) on Accelerated Protective Immune Responses and Quality of Life in Healthy Volunteers Challenged with Rhinovirus in a Randomized Trial: doi: 10.3390/nu14204258. Pub Oct 2022.
(4) Van den Abbeele et al. A Novel Non-Digestible, Carrot-Derived Polysaccharide (cRG-I) Selectively Modulates the Human Gut Microbiota while Promoting Gut Barrier Integrity: An Integrated in Vitro Approach: doi: 10.3390/nu12071917. Pub Jun 2020.
(5) Mercenier et al. Carrot-Derived Rhamnogalacturonan-I Consistently Increases the Microbial Production of Health-Promoting Indole-3-Propionic Acid Ex Vivo. doi.org/10.3390/metabo14120722. Pub 2024.
(6) Evangelia N. Kerezoudi et al. Carrot Rhamnogalacturonan-I Supplementation Shapes Gut Microbiota and Immune Responses: A Randomised Trial in Healthy Adults, Microorganisms Pub 2025, 13(9), 2156.}