EAGAN, Minn.—Two leading researchers in food science will discuss how to leverage clinical research programs into credible health claims at the Institute of Food Technology¹s Wellness ‘09 conference March 25 to 26 in Rosemont, Ill.

The foundation for functional food and beverage products is clinical research; however, research programs should be designed in conjunction with marketing objectives to ensure that new products meet consumer needs.

Don Cox, Ph.D., and Roger Clemens, Ph.D., will examine the complexities of immune health claims for food ingredients. The session also will explore how clinical research is providing support for broader product claims for new technologies. Their presentation, Clinically Supported Emerging Technologies in Immune Health, will be given at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare hotel.

“Consumers have become increasingly sophisticated about immune health and are wary of unsubstantiated product claims,” said Dr. Cox, Biothera vice president, R&D and business development. “FDA and FTC are also closely monitoring the food industry to ensure health claims are supported by credible data.”