title: Baker's yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several studies have shown a baker's yeast beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is effective in reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms. This study evaluated the effect of a specific beta-glucan supplement (Wellmune) on upper respiratory tract symptoms and psychological well-being in women with moderate levels of psychological stress.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthy women (38 ± 12 years old) prescreened for moderate levels of psychological stress, self-administered a placebo (n = 38) or 250 mg of Wellmune (n = 39) 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 track upper respiratory symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects in the Wellmune group reported fewer upper respiratory symptoms compared to placebo (10% vs 29%), better overall well-being (global mood state: 99 ± 19 vs 108 ± 23, p < 0.05), and superior mental/physical energy levels (vigor: 19.9 ± 4.7 vs 15.8 ± 6.3, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data show that daily dietary supplementation with Wellmune reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus it may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors.
authors: SupplementWatch, 648 Rocky Knoll, Draper, UT 84020, USA. smtalbott@supplementwatch.com
authors: Shawn M
authors: SM
authors: Talbott
authors: Julie A
authors: JA
authors: Talbott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D047071:beta-Glucans