title: Effects of a modified yeast supplement on cold/flu symptoms.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Preventive and Alternative Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Department of Urology Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Moyad
authors.forename: Larry E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Edward T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Zawada
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kittelsrud
authors.forename: Ding-Geng
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Stuart G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Weaver
mesh_terms: 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*