Wellmune

EAGAN, MN — March 28, 2012 — Groupe Biscuits Leclerc has extended its line of Praeventia bars containing Wellmune WGP®, a natural ingredient clinically proven to enhance key immune responses, with the launch of two new products.

The company recently introduced Praeventia Nut Burst and Praeventia Nuts & Dark Chocolate Chip 70% Cocoa. Both products contain six bars created with carefully selected ingredients. Each bar contains 100 milligrams of Wellmune WGP and 5 grams of protein.

Wellmune WGP is beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. Wellmune activates neutrophils, which are the largest population of immune cells in the body and part of the body’s first line of defense. Peer-reviewed clinical research consistently demonstrates the ability of Wellmune WGP to reduce upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and improve overall health even during periods of high physical and lifestyle stress.

“Leclerc is proud to offer delicious products that contribute to overall health and well-being of our customers,” said Richard Couture, vice president of Innovation and R&D at Groupe Biscuits Leclerc. “Wellmune’s strong scientific foundation reflects this core company philosophy.”

Leclerc first introduced products with Wellmune WGP in 2010 with the launch of two flavors of Praeventia Cookies, an innovative line of functional cookies that contained healthy ingredients including inulin and polyphenols (antioxidants).

“We are pleased that Wellmune continues to part of the healthy and great-tasting choices of the Praeventia product line,” said Rich Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer.

About Groupe Biscuits Leclerc
Founded in 1905 by François Leclerc, Groupe Biscuits Leclerc has grown tremendously in the last 15 years and boasts five ultramodern plants and more than 570 employees. The family-run company is headquartered in François Leclerc Industrial Park in the Quebec City suburb of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures.

Leclerc specializes in manufacturing cookies, snack bars, crackers, and breakfast cereals, and exports to more than 20 countries. With its product lines of healthy, nutritious foods, it is known as an innovative company attuned to the tastes and needs of informed customers who care about the food they eat and like to treat themselves to life’s pleasures. For more information about Praeventia, visit http://www.praeventia.ca/en/index.php.

About Biothera
Biothera is a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. It manufactures and markets patented, natural ingredients for functional foods, beverages and nutritional supplements worldwide. Its flagship ingredient, Wellmune WGP®, is the culmination of more than $300 million in research with leading university and government institutions. Wellmune WGP is formulated in food, beverage and supplement products in more than 35 countries. It has broad regulatory approval worldwide including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award, a 2011 SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award.

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

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.

EAGAN, MN — February 27, 2012 — The EU is investing 6M Euros in an international research project evaluating the immune health effects of Wellmune WGP® and several other functional food ingredients.

The FibeBiotics project is a consortium of four European universities, five research institutions and several private companies that will study the effect of food fibers on the human immune system. Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, The Netherlands, is coordinating the 4.5-year project.

Wellmune WGP is gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to safely prime key immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Derived from a proprietary strain of yeast, Wellmune WGP mobilizes neutrophils, which are the largest population of immune cells in the body and part of the body’s first line of defense.

“We are pleased that Wellmune WGP is part of this important scientific research project,” said Rich Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer. “It will be complementary to our internal research program that is designed to expand understanding of our unique technology and its global immune health benefits.”

According to a FibeBiotics statement: “It is known for a long time that polysaccharides (other than easy digestible starch) and the immune system are connected. The immune response towards invading pathogens like bacteria, fungi and yeast is often initiated by the recognition of the intruder via the sugar chains that are located on the outside of the pathogen. After this recognition the immune system is activated and attempts to remove the pathogen as fast as possible.

“Research indicated that some specific polysaccharides, for example those from the cell wall of yeast or those that are present in various plant products, can activate the immune system starting from the intestine, even when no intruders are present. Various polysaccharides have been shown to activate macrophages, which can ‘digest’ pathogens and unwanted cells. An activated, warned or primed first layer of defence can help to improve the overall resistance of humans.”

About Biothera
Biothera is a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. It manufactures and markets patented, natural ingredients for functional foods, beverages and nutritional supplements worldwide. Its flagship ingredient, Wellmune WGP, is the culmination of more than $300 million in research with leading university and government institutions. Wellmune WGP is formulated in food, beverage and supplement products in more than 35 countries. It has broad regulatory approval worldwide including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award, a 2011 SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award.

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

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.

Biothera customer ResVez, Inc. is debuting the first gourmet nutrition bar with Wellmune WGP at the Fancy Food Show January 15-17 in San Francisco. The TravelTime bar is available in a choice of Granola Citrus Burst or Almond Coffee with chocolate chips. In addition to containing Wellmune WGP to activate the immune system, TravelTime bars also include Resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. Click here to learn more about this uniquely healthy snack good for anyone on the go or visit ResVez at Booth 363, North Hall, Moscone Center.

Did you know that holiday festivities, culminating with that traditional New Year’s Eve bash, could be lowering your immune system? That might be why so many people catch colds right after the holidays. Here are a few steps to help keep your immune system healthy as the season of parties, little sleep and overindulgence gives way to the season brimming with health-related resolutions.

1. Fats and germs don’t mix. If you’re like most people, the fatty foods you’ve been indulging in since Thanksgiving may lead to a case of the sniffles. Being in closed-in spaces this time of year puts us in contact with more germs. Our bodies go into overdrive if they’re busy busting fat and diverted from busting germs.

Don’t Tip Your Hat to Fat

• Start each day with a nutritious breakfast. If your choices are limited, eat half of the oversized muffin and opt for a skim versus full-fat latte.

• After a night of restful repair, give your body the fuel it needs to run like a well-tuned machine.

• Choose an indulgence at each meal – not all of them – and stop before you feel full. That means mashed potatoes or pecan pie.

• Don’t arrive at the party hungry or skip meals and “bank” calories earlier in the day. A high-fiber snack like an apple or fresh veggies before the festivities begin will help you focus on people first, then food.

2. Champagne at midnight … coughing a week later?  This time of year, most of us are go, go, GO!  Throw travel germs in the mix and it’s a recipe for a cold. Champagne at midnight and alcoholic beverages can interfere with sleep. Coffee or soda in the afternoon may also. Don’t overlook the beverage choices you make or you’ll be up all night thinking of them! Resume your normal nighttime habits on New Year’s Day to get your body back to getting the restful sleep it needs to recover and restore stamina for a healthy immune system.

Drink Up These Tips

• Everything in moderation. More alcohol could result in less refreshing sleep.

• Know your body and how it will react to coffee and cola. For some, it’s hands off after lunchtime to help ensure restful sleep at night.

• Try another way to get a second wind such a quick shower or a brisk walk. Even a short nap is a great pick-me-up.

• Stay hydrated with water before you’re thirsty. It’s a healthy choice and will also help you feel full.

Eating right and making smart beverage choices– there’s no better toast to your immune system and healthy habits like these are resolutions worth keeping!

Here’s sweet news you and your kids will love: now there’s a great-tasting cookie that’s good for you, too! Praeventia cookies, made with Wellmune WGP® and other specially selected ingredients, can be a nutritious part of your family’s healthy lifestyle. They are now available at 700 Walmart stores nationwide.

Praeventia cookies are loaded with polyphenols (antioxidants), 16 percent of recommended daily dietary fiber and whole grain. In addition to Wellmune WGP, which supports immune health, the cookies also contain prebiotic inulin fiber to support digestive health. A product of Groupe Biscuits Leclerc Ltd., Praeventia cookies contain no trans fats and are low in saturated fats and sugar.

There are two varieties: Ginger and Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry. They are conveniently packaged in seven single-serve pouches per box. Each serving has about 150 calories.

The Praeventia ginger cookies contain:

• Wellmune WGP®, a natural ingredient derived from a yeast β-glucan for a healthier immune system
• Ginger, also known for its polyphenols (antioxidant) content
• The whole oat, a whole grain contributes daily dietary fiber

The Praeventia chocolate chip 70% cocoa and cranberry cookies contain:

• Wellmune WGP®, a natural ingredient derived from a yeast β-glucan for a healthier immune system
• Chocolate Chip 70% cocoa and cranberry, two ingredients that contain polyphenols (antioxidants)

With Wellmune WGP and other good-for-you ingredients, adding Praeventia to your shopping list will make you one smart cookie when it comes to your family’s health.

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.

For many people, stress is as much a part of the holiday season as mistletoe and holly, making the “most wonderful time of the year,” a time when it can be tough to stick to the everyday health and wellness routines that help you enjoy your busy life. Part of celebrating the season is to throw a bit of caution to the wind and enjoy favorite holiday foods and beverages. Yet despite attempts to fit it all in, all too often what’s sacrificed are trips to the gym or yoga class, or getting the right amount of sleep.

It can make the season of being “always on” leaving some feeling a little “off.”

The good news is that maintaining a healthy innate immune system never needs to take a holiday and can be part of your daily routine 24/7/365.  The innate immune system is the first line of defense in the daily battle to stay well. Unlike the dizzying array of other options on the drug store shelf, Wellmune WGP^® has a sleigh full of clinically proven and tested sound science behind it. When taken daily at the recommended level, Wellmune WGP helps mobilize billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses. It helps these cells do their job effectively, yet without over stimulating the immune system, which can be harmful to long-term health.

Whether dashing through the snow to burn off those extra holiday pounds, racing to the mall for last-minute presents, or rushing from party after merry party, Wellmune WGP can help you maintain energy, vitality and mental clarity in the face of all of the physical and lifestyle stressors that the season can throw your way.

Keep in mind that staying healthy during the holidays shouldn’t feel like another chore. Focus on steps you can take today to keep healthy through the holidays and for a lifetime.

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently
• Get plenty of sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t drink and drive
• Fasten seatbelts
• Get a flu shot if you haven’t already
• Focus on the people who matter most
• Be active
• Take time out for yourself

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is making it easy to hit the high notes for health over the holidays. For some important reminders, just sing or hum along to the familiar tune of the 12 Days of Christmas: http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12waysSong.htm.

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!