Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body’s defence against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects

Abstract

PurposeThe effect of brewers’ yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-d-glucan consumption on the number of common cold episodes in healthy subject was investigated.MethodsIn a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, multicentric clinical trial, 162 healthy participants with recurring infections received 900 mg of either placebo (n = 81) or an insoluble yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-d-glucan preparation (n = 81) per day over a course of 16 weeks. Subjects were instructed to document each occurring common cold episode in a diary and to rate ten predefined infection symptoms during an infections period, resulting in a symptom score. The subjects were examined by the investigator during the episode visit on the 5th day of each cold episode.ResultsIn the per protocol population, supplementation with insoluble yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan reduced the number of symptomatic common cold infections by 25 % as compared to placebo (p = 0.041). The mean symptom score was 15 % lower in the beta-glucan as opposed to the placebo group (p = 0.125). Beta-glucan significantly reduced sleep difficulties caused by cold episode as compared to placebo (p = 0.028). Efficacy of yeast beta-glucan was rated better than the placebo both by physicians (p = 0.004) participants (p = 0.012).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that yeast beta-glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.

Placebo-Driven Clinical Trials of Transfer Point Glucan #300 in Children With Chronic Respiratory Problems: Iii. Clinical Findings

“…In other countries, glucan is still only a supplement. However, more and more studies are now focused on the use of glucan in clinical practice, including numerous clinical trials (Bergendiova et al, 2011;Lehne et al, 2005;Auinger et al, 2013;Jesenak et al, 2013a).…”

Follow-up Formula Consumption in 3- to 4-Year-Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT

“…18 Consumption of yeast b-glucan has been associated with fewer symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in healthy adults. [19][20][21] A b-glucan from a different fungal source was reported to promote an increase of blood NK lymphocytes and fewer ARIs in children with recurrent ARIs. 22 However, no data on immune benefits of dietary intake of yeast b-glucan in children is currently available.…”

Yeasts as Potential Source for Prebiotic β-Glucan: Role in Human Nutrition and Health

“…In this context, special foods enriched with molecules with health benefits are been developed. Some studies dealing with the enormous benefits of β-glucan as a nutritional supplement [31,[35][36][37]. Used as adjunctive to the positive effects of antioxidants, lipid balance enhancers, antibiotics, and other therapeutics, the β-glucans are currently considered a true antiaging supplement.…”

“…A study with seventy-five marathon runners showed that daily administration of β-glucan can prevent upper respiratory tract (URTI) symptoms and improve overall health and mood following a competitive marathon [36]. More recently, a study of 162 healthy participants with recurring infections who received a diet supplemented with β- (1-3), (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) glucan showed a reduction in the number of symptomatic common cold infections by 25% and the mean symptom score was 15% lower compared to the control group [35].…”