Evaluating the Immunity-Boosting Efficacy and Safety of Biscuits Enriched with Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Extracts in Healthy Individuals
Background: Immunity safeguards against infections and strengthening it through diet can enhance health status. This trial evaluated the immune-boosting efficacy and safety of vitamin-, mineral-, and herb-enriched biscuits in preventing infections and allergies.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial enrolled 664 healthy participants assigned to either Britannia Nutri Choice Herbs biscuits or a placebo. Participants consumed three biscuits twice daily in the morning and evening for 180 days, with compliance (≥80%) monitored. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the World HealthOrganization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHO-QOL BREF). A complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukins 6 and 10 assessments were performed for immunity and inflammation. Immunity parameters, energy, stamina, and neurocognitive health were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), perceived stress scale (PSS), and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA). The global assessment scale changes were analysed too.Results: Of 664 participants, 608 completed the trial (300 in the biscuit group, 308 in placebo). After 150 days, the biscuit group had significantly fewer infections and allergies (136 vs. 208; p<0.01). Energy, strength, and stamina improved, particularly in children. No significant differences were observed in BMI, neurocognitive health status, immunity markers, QoL, or safety.Conclusion: Regular consumption of Nutri Choice Herbs biscuits reduced infections and allergies, especially respiratory related in adults. It enhanced energy, stamina, digestion, appetite, and bowel movements; while easing abdominal tightness in children. So these enriched biscuits can be safely recommended to boost immunity and overall health.
Authors
- Vyankatesh Shivane
- Manasa Premasudha Sadananda
- Pranita P. Deshmukh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2128-4483)
- Abhay Narayan Kulkarni
- Shailesh Deshpande
- Sudhir Nema
- Manmohan Lazar
- Balaji Bhosle
- Sanjay Tamoli
- Maheshkumar Harit
Institutions
- J. S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and P.D. Patel Ayurveda Hospital (IN)
- Parul University (IN)
- Baker Engineering (United States) (US)
- Diabetes Care & Hormone Clinic (IN)
- Target Institute of Medical Education & Research (IN)
- KLE Ayur World (IN)
- Britannia University (BD)
- D.Y. Patil University (IN)
- Health and Human Development (2HD) Research Network (CM)
Publication Details
- Journal
- SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología
- Published
- 2025-12-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.30476/ijns.2025.106494.1445
- Primary Topic
- Food composition and properties
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00