Wellmune

We love it when there are innovative new ways that consumers can easily enjoy the everyday immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP. In this case, Wellmune is now incorporated in a filter for the blue water bottle shown – or any bottle you choose. Talk about an effortless way to support immune health.

The folks at LiveWell were sold on the immune health clinical research behind Wellmune WGP and you’ll see that our logo is displayed on the filter’s packaging.

You can learn more about this novel delivery system in the following news release from LiveWell, a company committed to health, wellness and addressing safety issues for drinking water.

LiveWell™ introduces LiveHealthy Immune Support System with Wellmune WGP® for daily immune support

Boise, Idaho, 4/30/12-  LiveWell LLC is expanding the offerings in its LiveWell Healthy Hydration System to include the LiveHealthy with Immune Health Support System with Wellmune WGP®. LiveWell Healthy Hydration Systems enable consumers to enjoy clean, enhanced, filtered water while on the go and without the cost and waste of bottled water.

The all-natural Wellmune WGP immune health ingredient is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed, published studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system. LiveHealthy with Immune Health Support comes in a choice of Lemon Lime or Orange Creamsicle flavors. The filters can be used on specially designed LiveHealthy water bottles or on almost any bottled water. As with all LiveWell systems, they are BPA free and biodegradable.

The Livewell system was first developed by a youth soccer coach who wanted his kids to hydrate with safe, healthy water instead of popular sports drinks loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.

“LiveWell understands that consumers are seeking new, effective vitamin delivery forms that are easy to use and provide benefits for immune support,” said Rick Anson, CEO, LiveWell. “We chose WellmuneWGP^® as our core immunity ingredient because of the science backing its health benefits.”

“Busy families now have the convenience of filtration, hydration and clinically proven immune support right at hand with the introduction of the LiveHealthy with Immune Support hydration system,” said Rich Mueller, president and CEO, Biothera. “It’s easy to use and a novel delivery system to reap the everyday benefits of Wellmune WGP.”

Wellmune WGP is patented, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free.

For more information on LiveHealthy with Wellmune WGP, please visit www.livewellwater.com and www.wellmune.com.

About LiveWell™

LiveWell LLC is committed to consumer’s health and wellness, addressing safety issues for drinking water, and becoming the industry leader in eco-efficient products that are as environmentally and economically sustainable as possible.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural carbohydrate that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

###

EAGAN, MN — April 24, 2012 — Fourth-year medical students at Southampton University Medical School taking Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient, for 90 days reported fewer days of cold/flu symptoms than their placebo-consuming classmates, according to a paper published online in the June issue of the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition.

Wellmune WGP is scientifically proven to activate innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy.  Specifically, Wellmune primes neutrophils, the largest population of immune cells in the body and an important part of the body’s natural defenses.  This award-winning functional ingredient is contained in numerous foods, beverages and supplements in more than 30 countries.

The article notes that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is the most frequent infectious disease in humans, with an average of two to four episodes per year in adulthood and 6 to 10 episodes per year in childhood.  The economic impact of the common cold is significant, costing an estimated $40 billion annually in the U.S. alone, with approximately 500 million non-influenza-related URTI episodes annually.

“Strategies to decrease the frequency and severity of URTI symptoms…would have a highly beneficial impact on health and socioeconomic performance,” said Richard Fuller, M.D. of The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine and principal investigator for the study. “Wellmune WGP activates innate immune cells, the body’s first line of defense, which helped students become more resilient to health challenges.”

The citation for the paper is:  Fuller R, et al., Influence of yeast-derived 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide on circulating cytokines and chemokines with respect to upper respiratory tract infections. Nutrition (2012), doi: 10/1016/j.nut.2011.11.012. Click here for the abstract.

Study Design & Results

The study was conducted during the peak of the 2010 cold-flu season.  During the 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study among 100 healthy medical students, participants taking 250 mgs of Wellmune WGP daily reported 43 fewer days of URTI symptoms than their classmates who received a placebo. The results are a strong statistical trend (p=0.06). The findings were originally presented at a British Society for Immunology conference in Liverpool, UK, in 2010.

While the authors note that larger studies are needed, results of this study demonstrated that Wellmune WGP provided real immune health benefits to the students. Specifically:

• There was a reduction (18%) in the total number of days with self-reported URTI symptoms in Wellmune WGP group compared to placebo.

• In total, 24 episodes of URTI were medically confirmed, 12 episodes in each group.

• Wellmune WGP did not induce inflammatory cytokines. No cytokine change was seen during symptomatic URTI between study groups.

“The results are consistent with eight other clinical studies regarding the immune support effects of Wellmune WGP,” said Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at Biothera.

Biothera and its research collaborators have previously conducted clinical studies involving marathon runners, wildland firefighters, women and other individuals with high lifestyle stress. To learn more, go to www.wellmune.com/research/scientific-literature/clinical-research.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China.  It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Elaine Watson of Nutraingredients-USA.com caught up with Rich Mueller, Biothera healthcare group president, to discuss the challenges manufacturers face to support immune health claims. Mueller noted that using vitamins and minerals is not enough and that it takes ingredients based on numerous clinical studies demonstrating the direct correlation between a specific ingredient strain and the immune health benefit. The story also included mention of Praeventia Cookies with Wellmune WGP from Biothera now available at 500 Walmart stores.  Biothera” ‘Using vitamins and minerals alone to support immune claims is not enough’

You’ve probably seen product information statements on supplements sold online or in stores. Sometimes the terms used in those descriptions, or on the labels, can be unclear or downright confusing! Here’s a glossary of commonly used terms and their significance.

Research Terms

Bioavailability – The rate at which our body absorbs a nutrient. If the bioavailability is too low, the nutrient might be expelled from our bodies before we can get its benefit.

Clinically proven – The product/ingredient has tested in a clinical study to see how it works in people, and the results support the health claim(s). To evaluate a “clinically proven” claim, look for multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using that specific brand, that were conducted by university-level experts in that research field. Be sure that the product includes the same efficacious serving sizes used in the clinical studies.

Human clinical research – Research done using people as subjects. Participants are generally within a subject group that researchers believe are likely to benefit from the ingredient or product being tested.

In-vitro research – Research conducted on organs, tissues or cells outside of the living body.

In-vivo research – Research conducted on organs, tissues or cells within the living body.

Pre-clinical research – A stage of research that begins before clinical trials (testing in humans) can begin, and during which important data is collected.

Regulatory Terms

Efficacy – A measure of how effective an ingredient or supplement is at delivering its benefit.

Food grade – Meets standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for human consumption.

GRAS-approved – “Generally recognized as safe” means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agrees with the opinion from an independent panel of experts, which has reviewed science and safety data and determined that an ingredient or product is safe. The FDA issues “no objection” letters when it reviews a voluntarily submitted self-affirmed GRAS dossier and has no objections to the finding of the GRAS panel of experts.

Kosher – Foods or food products that have been processed in accordance with Jewish Dietary laws. In addition to religious and ethnic considerations, a Kosher certification may also be perceived to indicate higher quality.

GMO – Genetically modified organisms. Some nutritional supplements are GMO-free or will specify they are non-GMO. This means that no alteration was made to DNA of the food product used in an ingredient or supplement. Some groups are concerned that there is too little known about the long-term health impact of eating genetically modified foods.

Immune boosters – Also known as immunostimulators, these are substances such as herbs, vitamins and minerals that can stimulate the immune system to grow and multiply the number of infection-fighting cells in the body.

Naturally derived – A product that contains ingredients derived from nature with minimal processing.

Naturally occurring – An ingredient that is delivered in its natural form.

Other Important Terms

Nutraceutical – A combination of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” it refers to any substance that is a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits.

Non-allergenic – Will not cause an allergic reaction.

Pharmaceutical grade – A term commonly used to indicate that the ingredients used in a supplement meet the highest standards for purity and concentration. The product must be at least 99 percent pure, without additives or unnecessary substances.

Monograph – Official standards that specify the kinds and amounts of ingredients that a drug or substance may contain, the directions for its use, the conditions in which it may be used, and any reasons to withhold its use. Monographs are published by the United States Pharmacopeia (see below).

United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – The USP is a nonprofit, scientific organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality and purity of medicines, food ingredients and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. More than 130 countries rely on USP standards.

If you’ve got kids, you know that frequent sniffles and coughs go with the territory. The average preschooler brings home around nine colds each year. Kindergarteners have around 12 colds per year. While you can’t (and shouldn’t) protect your child from every bug they encounter, there are things you can do to reduce the number of infections they get every year.

Our moms gave us temporary defenses

We don’t come into this world with a fully developed immune system. Antibodies passed on through a mother’s placenta protect newborns. That protection gradually fades away as the baby’s own immune system develops. Each time we’re exposed to a new bacteria or virus, our bodies create antibodies to fight it off. The next time it tries to invade our bodies, the antibodies are already in our arsenal. Simply put: exposure to germs primes their immune system.

Hello daycare, hello runny noses

Preschool-aged children who attend daycare tend to get more colds than those who spend their first years at home. However by catching cold more often, they also are developing stronger immune systems. So by the time they start school, they tend to have fewer sick days than their classmates who stayed at home and who weren’t exposed to as many cold viruses.

There are healthy steps you can take to help your kids build strong immune systems

• Consider breast-feeding your baby. Breast milk is like a supersized serving of antibodies that help to protect against everything from ear infections, respiratory tract infections and allergies to diabetes. Some studies cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate it may also reduce the risk of infant mortality.

• Feed your children foods that will help them fight off germs. Some foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables, contain phytonutrients which help keep children healthier overall. These include pink grapefruit, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, oranges, blueberries, strawberries and papaya. In contrast, diets rich in sugars may actually reduce a child’s immunity.

• Get your children all of their recommended vaccinations. Childhood vaccinations save lives. For example in 1994, a year before the chickenpox vaccine was available, the disease killed 100 children and hospitalized 10,000 annually. Today, unvaccinated children are nine times as likely as others to contract chickenpox, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Unvaccinated kids also are 23 times more likely to catch whooping cough. If you have concerns about vaccinations, have a talk with your pediatrician. The risk that comes from contracting these diseases is often far greater than any risks that come from the vaccines. For a current childhood vaccination schedule, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

• Be consistent about naps and bed times. Studies show that lack of sleep can make children more susceptible to diseases by reducing their natural immune cells. Newborns need up to 18 hours of sleep, toddlers need nine to 14 hours, and children ages 5-12 need 10-11 hours per night.

• Follow your pediatrician’s advice regarding antibiotics. It’s not a good idea to insist that your child’s doctor write a prescription for antibiotics each time your child has a cold or sore throat. Antibiotics can only treat bacteria, not viruses. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. As a result, simple things such as ear infections or upper respiratory infections may become stubbornly resistant to a cure. So use antibiotics only when recommended, and be sure your child finishes the entire prescription even if he or she starts to feel substantially better.

Taking steps to help build your child’s immune system may result in fewer sick days and fewer visits to the doctor and pharmacy.

Thank you Better Nutrition for highlighting Wellmune WGP in your November 2011 issue. We were thrilled with this article, which focuses on natural ways to boost your immune system – just in time for cold and flu season. Wellmune WGP was the only ingredient mentioned by brand name.

This article mentions studies published in the Journal of Applied Research. One such randomized, placebo-controlled study, of 40 healthy adults over a 12-week period during cold and flu season, found that Wellmune WGP may reduce the severity of your cold and flu symptoms even if you do get sick. In this study, none of those in the Wellmune group missed work or school due to colds. Meanwhile, the people with colds in the placebo group missed an average of 1.38 days.

That’s the kind of welcome news we like to hear this time of year!

Nutraceutical Business & Technology, Nov/Dec 2011

Check out the latest issue of Nutraceutical Business & Technology for an article on how Wellmune WGP may change the way athletes, trainers and coaches approach supplementation. Substantial research demonstrates that high intensity exercise weakens the immune system.  If you’re not well, you cannot achieve training or performance goals.  Clinical studies in marathon runners and cyclists in a heat stress lab showed that Wellmune WGP reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and activated protective immune responses that maintain health.  The results have sports nutrition implications for both recreational and elite athletes.

Flu activity probably won’t officially peak until January or February, but it could hit you any time between now and next May. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends protecting yourself with an annual flu vaccine, it cautions you to take other preventive steps to avoid getting sick.

One infectious disease expert recently alerted the public not to get too complacent after getting a flu shot. “… It’s not doing the job we needed it to do,” commented Michael Osterholm, director for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. In his interview with WCCO TV, Osterholm further stated that his organization is working to ensure that more effective flu vaccines are brought to market. Osterholm repeated similar cautions on WCCO radio.

No one can absolutely predict which flu viruses will appear in any given flu season. The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. For the vaccine to be delivered on time, experts must try to figure out which viruses to include many months in advance. There is always the chance that the viruses circulating among us may not be an optimal match to viruses in the vaccine.

To further improve the odds of you and your family avoiding the flu this season:

1. Stay away from sick people. It seems obvious but still bears repeating. Experts believe most flu cases are spread by coughs, sneezes and even talking – and you can catch it from up to six feet away.
2. Take Wellmune WGP daily. Wellmune is not a drug so it cannot prevent or treat any disease. However, it is a natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient that promotes a strong and healthy immune system. Which is especially helpful because people can begin infecting others with the flu as much as a full day before their first symptoms appear. They may not even know they are sick yet!
3. Wash your hands frequently. You may also get the flu by touching something that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth or nose.

And if you do get sick, stay home. You can continue to spread the disease to other people as long as a week after becoming sick.

Ladies, here’s some good news if you lead a moderately or highly stressed lifestyle, and you’ve had enough of feeling sick and tired all the time. You may be able to reduce some of those miserable cold and flu symptoms such as sore throats and coughs, while also boosting your mood and energy level.

We all know that the psychological stress associated with everyday life can lower your immune system. It can also make you feel emotionally tired and less peppy. A study conducted by Dr. Shawn Talbott at SupplementWatch and presented to the American College of Nutrition involved 77 healthy women aged 38  + 12 years who were pre-screened for moderate levels of psychological stress. The women were given either a placebo or 250 mg. of Wellmune WGP for 12 weeks.

Whereas 29 percent of the control group reported having symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and cough), only 10 percent of the Wellmune group reported similar symptoms.

The researchers also used psychological surveys to assess the women’s mental and physical levels, and found that vigor  improved in 41 percent of women taking Wellmune WGP (compared to 7 percent in the control group). Overall wellbeing, as measured by Global Mood State, improved 29 percent in women taking Wellmune compared to 16 percent in the placebo group.

“These are important findings for the millions of ‘stressed’ women around the world,” said Dr. Talbott.  “This study shows that 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.”

When LovetoKnow.com asked celebrity fitness and nutrition expert JJ Virgin, from TLC’s Freaky Eaters, to share some of her favorite tips – we were pleased to see Wellmune  WGP® ranked high on her list. The interview, which was actually on how to exercise for weight loss and keep the pounds off through exercise and nutrition, included JJ’s suggestions for people who have tried many different diet and exercise programs, and still have difficulty losing weight.

You can’t get a great workout if you aren’t well, and JJ pointed out that Wellmune WGP works to keep you healthy by mobilizing billions of innate immune cells that are part of your body’s natural defenses. “It helps maintain energy, vitality and mental clarity when you are stressed,” she added.

JJ didn’t mention that a recent clinical study at the University of Houston demonstrated that Wellmune WGP reduced immune suppression that normally occurs following high intensity exercise.  This means that both recreational and elite athletes may be able to work out hard and longer without lowering their immunity.