Wellmune

EAGAN, MN — February 7, 2013 — Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, may help stressed women stay well, according to results of a new study just published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

The study found that moderately to highly stressed women experienced fewer upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms and higher energy levels while taking Wellmune WGP, a functional ingredient in foods, beverages and supplements in more than 50 countries. At 12 weeks, there was a 58% reduction in URTI symptoms among women taking Wellmune. Click here for a link to the abstract.

Wellmune WGP, a baker’s yeast beta glucan, is clinically proven to safely boost the immune system to help keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP activates key innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without stimulating the immune system.

Study Design and Results

Seventy-seven healthy women (age 38 + 12 yrs) pre-screened for moderate levels of psychological stress were given either a placebo or 250 mg of Wellmune WGP daily for 12 weeks.  Only 10% of the Wellmune group reported upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and cough) compared with 29% for the control group (p value ≤ 0.05).  In other words, the Wellmune group had a 58% reduction in reported URTI symptoms.

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% in women taking Wellmune WGP compared with 7% in the control group (p value <0.05).  Similarly, the Global Mood State of women taking Wellmune improved 29% compared with 16% in the placebo group (p value <0.05).

“This is the first published study exploring the effects of Wellmune WGP on women, a population that arguably faces stressors,” Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera. “This is actionable information for women who are seeking more and better ways to keep pace with their daily lives.”

“Daily supplementation with Wellmune made a noticeable difference in maintaining health and a positive mental attitude among psychologically stressed women,” said Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., research director at SupplementWatch and lead investigator on the study. “The regimen resulted in reduced incidence of upper respiratory symptoms and improved psychological well being.”

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural 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. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. 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.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
(651) 256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

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A recent story posted on SheKnows.com highlighted “Power Foods That Help Guard Your Health.” We were happy to see a section on immune support and even happier to see that Wellmune was included in the story as a great choice for enhancing the immune system without over-stimulating it.

As author Felicia D. Stoler, DCN, MS, RD, FACSM pointedly notes, “Grocery shopping today is like going on a treasure hunt. You can either load your cart with things that fill you up but don’t do much to keep you healthy, or you can reach for everyday superfoods that support your well being.”

She goes on to say, “Foods and drinks fortified with the right nutrients can help your immune system function at its peak and reduce a cold’s symptoms.” That’s a good reminder of the importance of everyday immune support as we approach cold and flu season. Click here to read the full story. How many of these superfoods are in your shopping cart?

By William Sears, M.D.
Biothera Healthcare Scientific Advisory Board

Among the conclusions of a recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published online by the The Journal of Pediatrics, June 20, 2012, was that most kids under age 8 get the nutrients they need from the food they eat. In my many years as a practicing pediatrician I must disagree, particularly when it comes to immune support.

The human immune system develops over time as the body develops exposure to and memory of germs, so it needs a little help to work effectively in young children. The need for immune support is underscored given today’s unprecedented incidence of allergies and arthritis and other inflammatory diseases that are starting at younger and younger ages. Case in point: the incidence of asthma alone has doubled among children in the past 10 years.

Most children do not get enough immune support in the foods they eat, particularly fruits, vegetables and seafood high in Omega 3 fatty acids. How many children do you know that get 9 to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Most, instead, are consuming an immune-depleting diet of processed carbohydrates and white bread.

While the NIH study contends that supplements have a role in general where diet may be lacking, supplementation that specifically targets immune support is needed regardless. Until their immune systems at working optimally in their teens, kids need to augment their body’s natural defenses with supplements such as Omega-3 fish oil, fruit and vegetable extracts, or daily consumption of Wellmune WGP through supplements or as an ingredient in foods.

Dr. Bill Sears is one of America’s most renowned pediatricians and author of over 40 books on childcare. He is Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.

EAGAN, Minn., June 7, 2012 – A panel of experts from regulatory, scientific and industry vantage points will present their perspectives on the scientific evidence required to substantiate an immune health claim during the 2012 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Expo in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 27. The session will examine both why it is difficult to develop credible science to support claims that are compelling to consumers and acceptable to regulatory agencies and potential solutions.

“Substantiating an Immune Health Claim: Three Perspectives” will feature the following speakers and topics:

• “Substantiating Immune Health Claims: Perspectives of Scientific/Regulatory Authorities in North America and Europe” —Lina Paulionis, M.Sc., MHSc, RD, senior scientific and regulatory consultant, Intertek Cantox’s Food and Nutrition Group.
• “Challenges in Defining Appropriate Immune Function Biomarkers” —Simin Nikbin Meydani, D.V.M, Ph.D., director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University.
• “Designing a Claim Substantiation Research Program: An Industry Perspective” —Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president, Research & Development, Healthcare Group, Biothera.

“Finding the right combination of credible science to support claims and to meet the needs of stakeholders from regulatory agencies through product development and manufacturing to consumers is a significant challenge, especially given the complexity of the immune system and the rapidly evolving regulatory framework,” said Dr. Cox. “This session will illuminate key challenges from a global perspective in developing the scientific data to support a commercially viable and meaningful claim and provide best practices in claims substantiation.”

Two members of Biothera’s Healthcare R&D group are involved with this IFT symposium.  Biothera’s flagship immune health ingredient, Wellmune WGP^®, has earned broad regulatory approval as an immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements. The clinically proven immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP have won accolades from the food and beverage industry including a prestigious IFT Innovation Award in 2007.

The session is from 10:35-11:35 a.m. in Room N117 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information stop by the Biothera booth, #1829.

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.

 Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)

651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

Clinical Research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine

SAN FRANCISCO — May 30, 2012 — Marathoners taking Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient, for four weeks reported 40% more healthy days than other long-distance runners, according to new clinical study results presented today at the American College of Sports Medicine 59^th annual meeting.

It is common for runners to develop upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in the days and weeks following completion of a marathon. Based on previous physical stress studies with Wellmune WGP that indicated links between specific biomarkers and improved health, researchers believed that marathoners would benefit from enhanced immune function.

Clinical Study Results
The double-blinded study involved 182 runners who completed the 2011 LiveStrong Marathon in Austin, Texas.  The participants included 96 men and 86 women with an average age of 34 and an average finish time of 4:00 hours.  Participants were given either 250 mg/day of Wellmune soluble, Wellmune dispersible, or a rice flour placebo to take for four weeks following the marathon.

Subjects taking Wellmune soluble experienced a 45% reduction in the number of days that they reported both general health problems and URTI symptoms while subjects consuming Wellmune dispersible reported 34% fewer days of URTI symptoms, for an average reduction of 40%.  These results were statistically significant compared to placebo (p<0.05).

“The study confirms previous clinical research showing that Wellmune WGP’s support of the immune system has real health benefits for individuals under physical stress,” said Rich Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP.  “This applies to both elite athletes as well as recreational athletes.”

In previous physical stress studies conducted by the University Houston, health improvements in participants taking Wellmune were associated with alterations in monocytes, plasma cytokines, and improved mucosal immunity.

“Wellmune is the first ingredient we’ve tested that showed measurable improvements in key immune system biomarkers,” said study leader Brian McFarlin, Ph.D., FACSM, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, and Immunology in the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston.

The poster presentation is entitled, “Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan Supplementation Reduces the Number of Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Completing a Marathon.”   Authors are James A. Navalta of Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, and Katie C. Carpenter, Whitney L. Breslin, Tiffany Davidson, Brian K. McFarlin of University of Houston, Houston, TX.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to boost 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.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)

651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

Clinical research published in the British Journal of Nutrition

EAGAN, MN — May 21, 2012 — Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements, prevented suppression of the immune system that normally occurs after intense exercise, according to a new clinical study published online in the British Journal of Nutrition.

These results, along with similar physical stress clinical studies, demonstrate that Wellmune WGP may help recreational and elite athletes achieve training and performance goals by minimizing “down time” associated with immune suppression.

“In contrast to the placebo group, athletes taking Wellmune had a higher degree of immune support before and after exercise, as measured by monocyte concentrations and enhanced cytokine production during a simulated immune challenge,” said Brian McFarlin, Ph.D., FACSM, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, and Immunology in the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston.

Wellmune WGP is a beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that boosts key innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy.  Specifically, Wellmune activates neutrophils, the most abundant population of immune cells in the body. It also enhances certain chemical messengers that help coordinate the body’s immune defenses.

Study Design

The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involved 60 recreational athletes [31 women (age 22 +5), 29 men (age 23 +5)] engaged in sustained aerobic exercise. Following initial screening, study subjects were given either a placebo or 250 mg of Wellmune WGP daily for 10 days.

At the end of the supplementation period, the athletes rode an exercise bicycle for approximately 50-min in a heat stress chamber set at 38C (100F) and 45% relative humidity to create an environment that placed the athletes under physiological and psychological stress.  Blood samples were drawn at day 0 and immediately before and after the exercise session and again two hours post exercise. Twenty-five different aspects of immune health were analyzed.

Using a cross-over study design, the athletes next observed a seven-day “wash out” period during which no supplement was given to clear their bodies of any supplement effect. The study subjects then repeated the 10-day supplementation with the other test variable (Wellmune or placebo).  At the end of the second supplementation period, the subjects then replicated their initial exercise regimen.

Study Results

Study subjects taking Wellmune WGP had statistically significant higher concentrations of monocytes in their blood compared with the blood samples while taking the placebo.  The higher monocyte level was recorded immediately before and after exercise, as well as two hours post exercise.

Study participants also had higher levels of key cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma) following a 24-h Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation when taking Wellmune WGP.  LPS is derived from gram-negative bacteria and used to mimic a foreign challenge to stimulate an immune response.  The data also showed higher levels of plasma cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-gamma) two hours after exercise when the subjects had supplemented with Wellmune.  All of these results were statistically significant (p<0.05).

The research was conducted under the direction of Dr. McFarlin at the Health and Human Performance Lab, University of Houston.  The paper, “Baker’s yeast β-glucan supplementation increases monocytes and cytokines post-exercise: implications for infection risk?” was published online ahead of print in the British Journal of Nutrition.  Authors: K. C. Carpenter, W. L. Breslin, T. Davidson, A. Adams and B. K. McFarlin.  Abstract.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to boost key immune cells that help maintain health, wellness and vitality. This unique ingredient is found in more than 35 countries in food, beverage and supplement products, including juices, smoothies, toddler formula, soups, breads, beverage shots and sachets, and functional chocolates, cookies and snack bars.

Wellmune 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.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)

651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

EAGAN, MN — April 24, 2012 — Wellmune WGP^® boosted the immune systems of medical students in a new clinical study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition. The research provides further evidence of this natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient’s ability to support the health of people under high stress.

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.

“Medical students working long hours in hospitals are placing tremendous stress on their immune systems,” said Richard Fuller, M.D., of The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine and principal investigator for the study. “Wellmune WGP activates innate immune cells to help protect against the harmful effects of stress.”

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 upper respiratory tract infection 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 boost 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.

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.

Fitness Expert JJ Virgin appears on KNXV’s Sonora Living TV show to talk about three things you can do on a daily basis to avoid getting sick. Which vitamin really helps? And why is she recommending cookies? Learn some cool facts about Wellmune WGP, an ingredient that may make a difference for you this cold & flu season.

Each year, cold and flu are the leading causes of missed work days/school days. In this economy, making your dollar stretch to the end of the month is tough enough without having to miss work because you or your child are sick!

Holistic Pharmacist Sherry Torkos appeared on Channel 8’s Let’s Talk Live to reveal foods that can improve our immune systems. In this TV segment, she includes several child-friendly foods fortified with Wellmune WGP® including juices and healthy cookies.

Just as you might choose foods fortified with vitamins, you now have an option to choose foods for yourself and for your family fortified with this well-researched immune enhancing ingredient. Need on-the-go convenience? She also mentions supplement brands that contain Wellmune.