Wellmune supports health of adults aged 50–70, finds new study

Published: 10-Jul-2014

Clinical research is conducted at the University of Southampton, UK


Wellmune WGP, a natural immune-boosting ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements developed by US biotechnology company Biothera, can help reduce upper respiratory tract infections in older adults during the cold and flu season, according to a new clinical study conducted at the University of Southampton in the UK.

The study, Yeast-Derived 1,3/1,6 Glucopolysaccharide to Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Modulate Circulating Cytokines and Chemokines in Older Adults, consisted of 100 healthy adults aged 50–70 years consuming 250mg of Wellmune or a placebo for 90 days. Wellmune demonstrated a trend towards reducing the number of URTI and statistically significant changes and trends in cytokine levels that are part of the body’s response to viral encounters and inflammation.

'The reduction in URTI symptoms coupled with the modulation of key cytokines indicates the potential health benefits of Wellmune for older adults whose immune systems have become less robust with age,' said Donald Cox, Senior Vice President, Biothera Healthcare Research & Development. 'We will use the results of this pilot study to design a larger, properly powered study to more fully evaluate the benefits of Wellmune in older adults.'

The results of this pilot are encouraging and further studies certainly seem justified

Richard Fuller, who led the study within the University's Department of Primary Care and Population Science, said: 'Respiratory infections are a major source of health burden and a leading cause for antibiotic use. The concept of using Wellmune as a nutritional supplement to support immune defences was very popular with study participants. The results of this pilot are encouraging and further studies certainly seem justified.'

Wellmune is a proprietary beta 1/3, 1/6 glucan from baker’s yeast that naturally boosts innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Ten human clinical studies consistently demonstrate the ability of Wellmune to reduce URTI symptoms, enhance vigour and mental clarity, and reduce fatigue.

An URTI episode was classified as two or more symptoms for two consecutive days, confirmed by medical assessment. Blood and saliva samples were collected at days 0, 45 and 90 to measure serum and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole-blood cytokines and chemokines. LPS is a component of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria that is used to mimic the presence of infection.

Publication of the data is pending.

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