Dietary supplements and food ingredients are being developed to enhance the immune system, the biological processes which provide protectionagainst disease by identifying and destroying pathogens and tumor cells. Colds, which are the most common infection in humans, are a viral immune disease of the upper respiratory system and can result in significant impacts on productivity. A study reported that among 3,249 university students surveyed, 91% had more than one upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) within a six month period. The cumulative effects of the URTI were estimated at 6,023 bed days, 4,263 days of missed school, and 45,219 days of illness. Academic performance was compromised with 27.8% and 46.3% of the study population reporting less than optimal performance on exams and assignments, respectively, due to illness(1).
Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), also known as hay fever, affects about 8% of adults and 9% of children in the U.S.(2). The affliction was reported to be responsible for a decrease in concentration, increased stress, alteration in mood, and a decrease in career performance in over 1,200 health care practitioners surveyed(3).