A 2008 IFIC survey showed that 87% of Americans are currently consuming or interested in foods and beverages that improve immune system function.
There are no approved or defined health or disease prevention claims for nutrients, dietary components or herbal substances related to immune function, so product labeling statements in this area tend to be primarily structure-function claims. In its 2008 “Consumers and Nutritional Labeling” global report, Nielsen listed probiotic claims among those of highest growth in the previous year.