Meet EpicDefense: Microbiome Labs’ Cutting-Edge Solution for Daily Immune Resilience. Just in time for Cold and Flu season!

Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A. The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes. Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968.

If you're a client of mine, you and I have absolutely looked at a photo like this and discussed the proximity of 70% of our immune system to our digestive lining. Demonstrated above (the red circle) as a Peyer's patch in the small intestine, GALT, or gut-associated lymphoid tissue, lines our digestive tract with many types of immune cells to defend our organ system that ingests things from the outside world! What was designed to be a beautiful defense can go haywire and create an ecosystem for autoimmunity and immune suppression. With the right tools and diet, you can also support this immune system and make it stronger and healthier than ever! Having a strong immune system and it not being distracted by the havoc of a leaky gut, defends our bodies from viruses and bacteria this winter. Influenza, a common virus in our world, claims the lives of an average of 12,000-52,000 people in the U.S. annually, including children. I say this to underline the importance of paying attention to the delicate relationship between the bacteria in our digestive tract and our immune system. Further, obtaining tools to biohack our way into strengthening this relationship!

What Is an Immunobiotic?

Did you know there is an entire subclass of probiotics called Immunobiotics!? Yep, and just in time for this cold and flu season, Microbiome Labs released an incredible Immunonbiotic called EPIC DEFENSE. EpicDefense by Microbiome Labs is a next-generation immunobiotic supplement designed to deliver robust and comprehensive immune support year-round. This science-backed formula brings together the power of two rigorously studied probiotic strains, LGG® (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and BB-12® (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis), with the unique postbiotic EpiCor®, creating a synergistic blend that fortifies the immune system from the gut outward.​ Did you catch that? POSTBIOTICS! Part of why I love Microbiome Labs is that they are always ahead of the curve in bringing science to your supplement cabinet. You see, part of the beneficial effect of a PRObiotic is what that probiotic gives us, creates, or excretes, known as a byproduct. This byproduct is known as A POSTbiotic and is packaged up and given in the supplement.

For most people, probiotics are synonymous with gut health. However, immunobiotics represent a new standard in probiotic science, microbial strains and postbiotic compounds that interact directly with the immune system, helping to balance immune responses, promote healthy tissue barriers, and defend against infection and inflammation. Unlike traditional probiotics that primarily aid digestion, immunobiotics are selected for their capacity to boost both local (gut) and systemic immune functions through specific actions in the intestinal immune network.​

Okay, so just to summarize, this has immune-tailored postbiotics (epicor), probiotics, and zinc! I'll discuss each, respectively, in detail below.

EpiCor®: The Postbiotic Powerhouse

EpiCor® is not a live probiotic but a postbiotic, a whole food fermentate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) fermented under controlled conditions. This fermentation results in a rich matrix of bioactive compounds, including proteins, beta-glucans, polyphenols, vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, and antioxidants. EpiCor® supports immune health through several key mechanisms. First, Enhancing Gut Barrier Integrity, EpiCor® increases the production of butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid crucial for gut health) and supports tight junctions between intestinal cells, which helps maintain a strong barrier against pathogen entry.​ Second, through Boosting Mucosal Defense, clinical studies show EpiCor® can upregulate secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), improving the immune system’s first line of defense in mucosal tissues like the gut and respiratory tract.​ Third, and very beautifully if I may say so, Immune Modulation, EpiCor® does this by stimulating innate immune cells (e.g., NK cells), enhancing cytokine balance (increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α), and promoting antibody responses, helping the immune system respond efficiently to threats without overreacting.​ Lastly, through Microbiome Modulation, Epicor shifts gut microbiota composition in beneficial ways and promotes butyrogenic metabolism, improving both microbial balance and immune function.​

LGG® and BB-12®: Synergistic Probiotic Defense

Both strains in EpicDefense have been studied extensively for their targeted immune actions.

LGG® (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG)

• Adheres to and Colonizes Intestinal Mucosa: This enables direct interaction with immune cells.​

• Strengthens Gut Barrier: Through tight junction modulation and stimulation of mucus production, LGG® helps prevent pathogen translocation into the bloodstream.​

• Dampens Harmful Inflammation: LGG® can suppress nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, shifting the immune environment toward tolerance and away from chronic inflammation.​

• Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Promotes increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates regulatory T cells, balancing the immune response.​

BB-12® (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis)

• Promotes Antibody Production: BB-12® upregulates secretory IgA in the gut, strengthening mucosal immunity against pathogens.​

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: BB-12® induces higher expression of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) and helps regulate the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, supporting tolerance and maintaining immune homeostasis.​

• Supports Dendritic and Helper T Cell Activation: This probiotic increases markers of immune maturation, such as CD4+ T cells, and boosts antigen-presenting cell function, priming the body to fight off viral and bacterial invaders.​

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Synergy for Complete Immune Defense

EpicDefense leverages the synergy between postbiotic and probiotic actions. This synergy balances immune reactivity, supporting gut barrier and mucosal defense, and priming both innate and adaptive immunity. With the inclusion of ultra-absorbable chelated zinc bisglycinate (Albion® Minerals), the formula further supports natural killer (NK) cell function, compounding its immune benefits.​ Did you know that zinc can inhibit a virus from entering healthy cells?! This is a trifecta immune defense product I started and won't be stopping anytime soon.

EpicDefense stands out as a leading immunobiotic, giving your immune system the sophisticated support required in today’s world: defensive fortification, inflammation regulation, and microbiota balance, all starting in the gut and radiating throughout the body! If you would like some epic defense, we have some in the office for you to pick up at your convenience. Don't step out of your home without defense this cold and flu season. Don't miss out on important time with your friends and family, and most importantly, consider giving the gift of defense! Co-signed by your local Microbiologist, Melody. Stay safe out there!