Hamilton company says trial showed higher antibody levels in those who took ingredient.
Trials have shown the potential of a whey protein ingredient developed by Hamilton company Quantec to enhance the body’s response to the influenza vaccination.
The trial of Immune Defence Proteins (IDP) revealed that participants who supplemented with IDP showed enhanced levels of influenza antibodies post-vaccination.
The study was done in partnership with Massey University and the University of Auckland and involved 53 healthy adults aged 25-65 who consumed either a single high dose of IDP (200 mg), a standard dose (50 mg), or a placebo daily for eight weeks.
The participants consumed it for two weeks before the vaccination and then after the trial.
Quantec CEO John Dawson said it positions IDP as a unique ingredient that bridges the worlds of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
“IDP has the potential to reshape how we think about immune health.
“As a natural ingredient, it’s exciting to see IDP supporting medical treatments such as vaccines. This study provides an excellent example of the role milk bioactives can play in supporting and enhancing the body’s natural defences.”
IDP is a patented whey protein complex derived from cows, containing a natural complex of over 50 bioactive proteins.
These proteins work in harmony to support the immune system. Each bioactive plays a specific role, contributing to the complex’s overall ability to support the body’s natural defences against inflammation, oxidative stress and microbial challenges.
Quantec co-founder and innovation director Dr Rod Claycomb said the trial demonstrated that IDP could have applications beyond just influenza.
“What this trial demonstrated is that IDP works together with the body’s immune system. The use of the influenza vaccine was an easy and convenient way to introduce a challenge to the immune system.”
IDP has been tested against other virus species in a United States laboratory and was able to inhibit those viruses from affecting human cells.
This took that work to a clinical trial, he said.
Claycomb said the study reflects an important intersection between the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical worlds.
“Traditionally, these sectors operate in separate domains, but our findings suggest that natural bioactive ingredients like IDP can complement medical approaches, providing a more holistic framework for supporting human health.”
Quantec has been researching IDP for over a decade, and the pandemic presented a unique opportunity to test its antiviral potential, he said.
It also highlighted the potential value the health benefits dairy has in places like the Chinese market, he said.
“The Chinese have recognised for quite a few years now the health benefits of dairy. That’s not just our product but dairy products in general.”
IDP is a tiny part of milk and the bioactives within it are an important part of immune health story within milk, he said.
“We have taken that very important component, extracting it, purifying it and selling it as an ingredient.”
Dawson said they will continue with their trial work with future research testing IDP’s immune supporting properties on preschool and primary school children in Shanghai who are exposed to common infections in daycare environments.
It will measure real-world outcomes, such as reduced symptoms and fewer missed school days.
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