NEW YORK—Moderately to high stress women experienced fewer cold/flu symptoms and higher energy levels while taking Wellmune WGP® (from Biothera), a natural ingredient derived from a proprietary strain of yeast that activates the body’s immune defenses, according to research presented today at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition.
Several studies show psychological stress can suppress both immune system function and mood state. Wellmune WGP engages and directs neutrophils, immune cells that are the body’s first line of defense, to more quickly find and kill foreign challenges.
Study Design and Results
A total of 77 healthy women (age 38 +/- 12 years) pre-screened for moderate levels of psychological stress were given either a placebo or 250 mg/d of Wellmune WGP for 12 weeks. Only 10 percent of the Wellmune group reported upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and cough) compared with 29 percent for the control group (P≤0.05).
The study 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). Vigor improved 41 percent in women taking Wellmune WGP compared with 7 percent in the control group (P<0.05). Similarly, the Global Mood State of women taking Wellmune improved 29 percent compared with 16 percent in the placebo group (P<0.05).
“The results are consistent with previous clinical studies conducted with Wellmune WGP," said Don Cox, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at Biothera. “Wellmune’s unique ability to engage the largest population of immune cells in the body can provide protection against life’s daily stressors."
“These are important findings for the millions of ‘stressed’ women around the world," said Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., research director at SupplementWatch and lead investigator on the study. “This study shows while daily stressors can ‘wear down’ immune system function, supplementing with Wellmune WGP can bolster those natural defenses and help stressed women feel and perform at their best."
