New research has revealed that over half of UK adults would consider boosting their natural defences with a dietary supplement in order to stay fit and healthy this Christmas.

Maintaining a strong immune system may be particularly important at this time of year when bugs such as norovirus and flu are particularly widespread.

The study was carried out on behalf of Bimuno IMMUNAID, a unique second generation prebiotic, Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), which works in harmony with the body by increasing and strengthening the gut's immunity-boosting good bacteria, bifidobacteria.

The strain of Christmas shopping, excessive partying and overindulging on food and alcohol can all take their toll making us feel run down as Christmas approaches. However, it is important to remember that being run down also means that our immune systems are weakened, which can leave us vulnerable to infections that can needlessly ruin the festive season. Now new Bimuno IMMUNAID offers enhanced support for our natural defence system, helping to keep us at our best.

The survey also revealed that more than two thirds (69 per cent) of us are unaware of the important role the gut plays in keeping us fit and healthy. Inside the gut are billions of bacteria including health-enhancing 'good' bacteria which serve to prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful 'bad' bacteria.

Glenn Gibson, professor of Food Microbial Sciences at the University of Reading, said: "The gut bacteria are critical to the strength of our immune system. In fact around 60PC of our immune system is associated with the gut. Feeding the good bacteria with prebiotics allows them to flourish and grow, helping to ensure the balance of good and bad bacteria is kept in check and thus protecting us from getting ill."

Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is particularly important in older people, whose immune systems tend to be weaker than those of younger adults. However, the research found that the over 55s are the least likely to consider taking a health supplement in order to help keep them well over the festive season. Only a third of respondents in this age group (40 per cent) reported they would consider boosting their natural defences in this way.

A groundbreaking scientific study to assess the effect of IMMUNAID in older individuals found it significantly boosted the number of good bacteria after just five weeks. After 10 weeks the level of bifidobacteria was similar to that of a healthy young adult and important indicators of a healthy immune system were increased.

This is the first time a prebiotic has been shown to have such a direct positive effect on the immune system.

Immunaid, a health supplement available as convenient and discreet soft chewable pastilles contains a tailored dosage of the unique GOS prebiotic ensuring that you get an optimal boost to your immune system.

Unlike some probiotics ('live' good bacteria ingested as tablets or in probiotic food stuffs), prebiotics are not digested in the stomach or small intestine, and reach the colon intact. Bimuno can also be carried around in your bag as it is perfectly stable at room temperature unlike probiotics. Once in the colon, Bimuno's unique dual action selectively targets and feeds the body's immunity-boosting good bacteria, bifidobacteria, while actively reducing numbers of harmful bacteria.

Bimuno IMMUNAID also includes the added benefit of vitamin C making it ideal for those looking for added seasonal support during the winter months and those with a weakened immune system.

www.bimuno.com.