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Gnosis by Lesaffre has partnered with Probiotical to introduce MenaQ7 Protect, a stick-pack designed for daily and extended immune support. According to the company, the MenaQ7 Protect stick pack provides 1 billion cells each of immune-supporting strains: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BS01 (LMG-P-21384), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR04 (DSM 16605) and Bifidobacterium bifidum BB10 (DSM 33678). It also contains 75mcg of MenaQ7 vitamin K2 as MK-7 and 80mg of vitamin C. The product is available in a tangy orange flavour and can be consumed directly or added to a beverage. Gnosis highlighted that although MenaQ7 is well-known for supporting bone and cardiovascular health, MenaQ7 Protect marks the debut of vitamin K2's role as an immunomodulator. "MenaQ7 in-vitro research has shown it delivers an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces oxidative stress in human muscle cells, important for immune response," said the company. "Further, early but important evidence has shown that Vitamin K2 may suppress T-cell activation and proliferation, support lung health, and protect against gut dysbiosis, which helps optimise immune function." Vera Mogna, CEO of Probiotical, commented: “Probiotics function in harmony with our immune system, effectively distinguishing allies from adversaries, and play a pivotal role in shielding us against harmful pathogens. The probiotic strains selected for MenaQ7 Protect naturally occur in the human body and work in concert with the immune system to fortify the body’s defenses." "Through meticulous research, we have selected strains that are able to uniquely interact with the immune system, creating a targeted approach to stimulate and fortify our natural defenses. This pioneering collaboration aims to harness the synergistic potential of our premium probiotic strains and MenaQ7, offering a promising new avenue to support and bolster immune health.” Philippe Caillat, global marketing director of Gnosis, added: “We are particularly excited about MenaQ7 Protect as it represents a foray into new areas for Gnosis, both in producing a finished product, but also shifting MenaQ7 into a new condition-specific arena". "Immune health remains a shared common concern all year long, and consumers consistently seek products that can optimise immune function continuously, while fitting into their lifestyles. MenaQ7 Protect perfectly fits this need while offering our customers a ready-to-market solution featuring our clinically proven MenaQ7 K2.”