Effects of a modified yeast supplement on cold/flu symptoms.
A yeast-based product (EpiCor, a dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate) was compared to placebo to determine effects on the incidence and duration of cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy subjects recently vaccinated for seasonal influenza. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 116 participants received daily supplementation with 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo for 12 weeks. Data collected included periodic in-clinic examinations and serologic evaluations at baseline, 6- and 12-weeks. Subjects also utilized a standardized self-report symptom diary during the study. Participants receiving the yeast-based product had significantly fewer symptoms and significantly shorter duration of symptoms when compared with subjects taking a placebo.
Moyad
Mark A
MA
Preventive and Alternative Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Department of Urology Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Robinson
Larry E
LE
Zawada
Edward T
ET
Kittelsrud
Julie M
JM
Chen
Ding-Geng
DG
Reeves
Stuart G
SG
Weaver
Susan E
SE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003139:Common Cold / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D015002:Yeast, Dried / Q000627:therapeutic use*