Wellness Foods Based on the Health Benefits of Fruit: Gold Kiwifruit for Immune Support and Reducing Symptoms of Colds and Influenza
MARGOT A SKINNER1, 2*
1. Food and Wellness Group, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research), Mt Albert, New Zealand
2. Food Science Program, School of Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
ABSTRACT
Fruits are excellent health foods and ingredients for functional foods. Plant & Food Research is developing new fresh and processed foods to promote gut health and immunity and protect from oxidative stress. The research involves testing using cell-based assays and animal models and validating health benefits in human trials. Using ZESPRI® GOLD Kiwifruit as an example, extracts stimulated human innate and adaptive immunity in vitro and a puree, but not a juice, enhanced a weak gut-associated immune response in mice. To validate an associated health benefit, a human trial determined the effects of gold kiwifruit consumption on symptoms of colds and influenza in older adults (≥ 65 years). Gold kiwifruit consumption significantly reduced head congestion and sore throat symptoms as well as plasma lipid peroxidation and significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and red cell folate oncentrations. In a subsequent trial, regular consumption of gold kiwifruit by pre-school children (2 - 5 years) resulted in an overall reduction in the incidence of cold and influenza-like illnesses as well as a reduction in their symptoms. The results suggest that gold kiwifruit can modulate the immune system in a positive way and that consumption can improve health by reducing symptoms and incidences of colds and influenza, in groups whose immune status may result in a greater risk of contracting these types of infections.
Key words: fruit, wellness, kiwifruit, immune, colds and influenza