Several studies show a suppression of both immune system function and mood state following psychological stress. Beta‐1,3/1,6 D glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is effective in reducing the incidence of colds and flu. This study evaluated the effect of a beta‐glucan supplement (Wellmune) on upper‐respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and psychological well‐being. One hundred twenty‐two healthy subjects (32 men, 90 women, 38 ± 12y) pre‐screened for moderate levels of psychological stress, self‐administered a placebo or 250mg of Wellmune daily for 12‐weeks. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey to assess changes in mental/physical energy levels (Vigor) and overall well‐being (Global Mood State). A quantitative health perception log was used to tract URTI symptoms. Subjects in the treatment group reported fewer URTI symptoms compared to Placebo (−58% URTI Sx, 7.3% v 17.3%), better overall well‐being (+9.5% Global Mood State, 103.1±19.7 v 113.9±32.8, p<0.05), and superior mental/physical energy levels (+11% Vigor, 18.7±4.7 v 16.6±5.7, p<0.05). These data show that daily dietary supplementation with Wellmune reduces URTI symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors. This study was conducted by GLH Nutrition (SupplementWatch) and sponsored by Biothera.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.