Our recent evolution into supplements is anchored in the same pillars that have driven Kerry’s technology leadership in taste and nutrition throughout our history, she says: these are premium ingredients built on standout science and unlocked through human ingenuity.
“In my time with Kerry, I have seen firsthand how our steadfast commitment to innovation, quality and contemporary clinical research have positioned us to create incredible value for our customers and consumers in the nutraceutical space.”
During the past decade or so, Kerry has curated a suite of science-backed ingredients that, collectively, comprise its Proactive Health portfolio that focuses on five priority platforms: digestive, immune, cognitive, women’s and infant health.
“Although these areas represent the strength of our existing portfolio and clinical science, they also signify a commitment to ongoing clinical investment, in-licensing, and acquisition activity to drive further innovation in each area,” she adds.
Today, the company can attest to an extensive library of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies — including 20 that aim to evolve and bolster the science supporting Kerry’s ingredients.
“Although we take pride in the sheer volume of published peer-reviewed studies, it’s not the quantity but the quality of this research that best highlights our ability to make a meaningful health impact for consumers. This point is further reinforced by the multiple awards won by our ingredients globally in each of our priority health platforms.”
“Our women’s and immune health portfolios offer excellent examples of clinically supported ingredients that help to improve consumer wellness outcomes in extraordinary ways, whereas our cognitive and digestive health portfolios boast an array of one-of-a-kind solutions with strong clinical substantiation and diversified claims.”
Pioneering natural solutions to women’s most pressing health needs
“Throughout our history,” notes Alexandra, “we’ve been at the forefront of addressing the most critical health concerns that women face, including fertility, breastfeeding and menopause, with naturally sourced, expertly attuned and clinically studied ingredients such as LC40 probiotic and Caronositol Fertility. With the launch of LC40, we were the first to commercialise a probiotic isolated from human breast milk.”
This unique probiotic strain has been shown in three clinical studies to help promote and maintain natural breastfeeding in new mothers and to support digestive and immune health in infants.
Based on its origin story and strength of clinical evidence, this unique probiotic has been formulated into a wide range of breastfeeding supplements, infant milk formula and infant drops in markets around the world.
“With Caronositol Fertility,” continues Alexandra, “we pioneered a novel combination of inositols to address hormonal imbalances in women (a proprietary blend of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol)."
"This patented 3.6:1.0 ratio has been clinically shown to outperform the widely used 40:1 ratio to improve reproductive health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) … and can also help with menstrual regularity, skin health and other parameters affected by hormonal imbalances."
Bolstering immune defence for total wellness and performance
Immunity is a critical health need for many consumer groups, ranging from children to working professionals, athletes and stressed populations to ageing adults.
A properly functioning immune system is not only key to preventing lost school days, working days or workouts, but also to help consumers to operate at their very best.
Whereas micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin C are key to ensuring the immune system has the resources it needs to function, they do little to prepare your immune system to respond more effectively to foreign threats.
Research has shown, however, that there are certain molecules that enhance the immune system’s ability to respond.
“Recently published clinical data leveraging our Wellmune yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan has demonstrated that it specifically helps to facilitate this process, known as innate immune training,” says Alexandra.
“Through this mechanism, the immune system is trained to respond more effectively to both recurring and new threats, just as fitness training prepares the body to handle physical challenges more easily.”
This new clinical data further bolsters the 12+ clinical studies supporting Wellmune while also underscoring the unique mechanism of action with which it supports immune system function.
Unleashing the potential of the gut microbiome
Just like a fingerprint, the gut microbiome is unique to each individual and is affected by genetics, lifestyle, diet and the use of medications.
Today, the gut microbiome is not only about the microbes themselves but also the metabolites, microbial structures and mobile genetic elements that interact with receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and beyond.
“Kerry has long been a breakthrough innovator in the gut health space,” asserts Alexandra, “with a legacy of discovery, screening and commercialising specialised microbes for a range of digestive health benefits, including promoting healthy microbiome balance, reducing intestinal discomfort, gas and bloating, and addressing conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.”
“Recently, we’ve also started to investigate how the gut microbiome might play a role in addressing the needs of individuals taking part in medically supported weight loss programmes, including those on GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.”
“More specifically, we are looking at how probiotics and postbiotics might help with potential gut health-related effects of the drugs, nutrient absorption and treatment adherence."
"We’ve also geared our innovation engine to explore how we might support other GLP-1 patient needs — such as maintaining lean body mass — while also addressing the broader market need for cardiometabolic health and weight management support.”
Revitalising the mind for total well-being
At all stages of life, consumers have a need for some level of cognitive health support. Brain development is critical for infants, toddlers and children, whereas support for stress management, sleep, mood and mental performance are key for consumers of all ages.
And, as consumers age, they often seek out solutions to support general cognition and prevent cognitive decline.
“At Kerry,” states Alexandra, “our strength in cognitive health is in the realm of stress management and, more specifically, ashwagandha."
"Our proprietary standardised extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves, known as Sensoril, is supported by more than 15 published studies demonstrating the clinical value of its unique bioactive composition. Most notably, it has been shown to support healthy stress response at the low clinical dose of 125 mg per day in two studies, including one published in Nutrients in 2024.”
“With a deep understanding and appreciation of the role that stress relief and cortisol reduction can play in terms of supporting overall health, we’ve partnered with hundreds of brands who have launched products containing Sensoril for stress relief, sleep support, focus, mood, healthy ageing, sports nutrition, beauty from within and women's health — including menopausal support.”
Conclusion
Solutions such as Caronositol Fertility, LC40, Wellmune, BC30, Bio-K+ and Sensoril are emblematic of Kerry’s mission to provide clinically differentiated ingredients for meaningful global impact in applications including women’s, infant, immune, digestive and cognitive health.
Trending health benefit areas, including support for individuals on medically supported weight loss programmes, offer further opportunity for clinical investment and positive impact.
“With more than 4 million consumers reached daily with our science-backed nutraceutical ingredients, we’re proud of the impact we’re having,” Alexandra concludes: “At Kerry, we are committed to the sustainable expansion of this positive global impact to new applications, new consumer groups and new markets in the coming months and years.”
