Biothera is fortunate to tap the expertise and insights of food industry veterans like Roger Clemens, DrPH. Dr. Clemens brings deep, wide and global perspectives to our Healthcare Group and Wellmune WGP. He’s also a great teacher in our ongoing professional and continuing education offerings. Get acquainted with him in this short video clip.
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?
In a recent column in Food Technology, Roger Clemens, Dr. P.H., Institute of Food Technologies president, discussed the rising global obesity epidemic and the opportunities and challenges to overcoming this serious public health crisis. He commented on the need to consider several overlooked factors contributing to diabetes and related diseases, including a person’s immune health. Drawing on remarks by Dr. Jose Saavedra, a speaker at IFT’s recent 2012 Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Las Vegas, Clemens wrote:
Everything consumers eat has a direct effect on their immunological response and metabolism, Dr. (Jose) Saavedra said. He asserted that a healthy immune system is just as important as lifestyle choices and dietary intake in the fight against obesity-related non-communicable diseases. Diabetes, allergies, celiac disease and other intestinal disorders are but a few of the manifestations of a poor diet and ill-prepared immune system.
Preferences for salty, sugary, and fatty foods that begin early in life tend to persist throughout one’s lifespan, so if healthy dietary choices and a strong immune system are not established early, consumers are less likely to develop them later.
Clemens advocated a future that integrates food, nutrition, medicine, and public health and policy to support a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifecycle.
This perspective on the importance of a healthy immune system in the fight against obesity is an enlightening addition to the discussion about health and wellness. It’s another reminder of the health benefits of Wellmune WGP for everyone in the family.
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, MN –June 20, 2012 – One of Canada’s largest food store chains has introduced a line of artisan breads with Wellmune WGP®, the clinically proven, natural immune health ingredient from Biothera.
Metro, Inc.’s new Life Smart Irresistibles is a line of approximately 20 new products for people with healthy lifestyles. The artisan breads with Wellmune WGP are part of Life Smart’s Immuno Smart category of baked goods. The loaves, which are sold in the chain’s Metro and Metro Plus supermarkets in Quebec and Ontario, are available in a choice of Whole Clove Garlic Petite Artisan Loaf or Sunflower Harvest Petite Artisan Loaf.
Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed 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.
“Bread is an ideal food to ensure that everyone in the family can easily enjoy the daily immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP,” said Rich Mueller, president and CEO, Biothera. “We are thrilled to be a part of Metro’s Life Smart Irresistibles product family and assist in Metro’s efforts to support the health and wellness of its customers through value-added functional food products.”
“The introduction of Immuno Smart artisanal breads with Wellmune WGP brings new excitement to the bread category in Canada and is a great example of Metro’s commitment to innovation in bringing healthy, great-tasting products to customers,” said Christine Infilise, RN, Business Development, Manager, Quadra Ingredients. “The science behind Wellmune WGP made it a natural fit for Metro’s Life Smart Irresistibles line.”
Immuno Smart bread joins a wide range of innovative food and beverage products with Wellmune WGP that are available in more than 30 countries around the world.
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.
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Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
651-675-0300 (main)
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 59th 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)
New research published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition involving Wellmune WGP® demonstrated that it prevented suppression of the immune system that normally occurs after intense exercise. These results join similar physical stress clinical studies, all finding that Wellmune may help recreational and elite athletes achieve training and performance goals by minimizing the “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 certain protective cytokine levels, notes study lead 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.
More about the study design and results are in the news release and abstract.
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)
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.
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EAGAN, MN – April 11, 2012 – Shoppers at 500 Walmart stores in 43 states nationwide can now take a bite-size approach to healthier snacking with the introduction of nutritious Praeventia cookies, made with Wellmune WGP® and other specially selected ingredients.
Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed 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.
Praeventia cookies are also loaded with polyphenols (antioxidants), 16 percent of recommended daily dietary fiber and whole grain. Along with Wellmune WGP to support 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.
“We believe the addition of Praeventia cookies aligns with Walmart’s overall commitment to offering nutritious food choices to consumers,” said Frédéric Langlois, vice president of R&D at Groupe Biscuits Leclerc. “The carefully chosen ingredients make Praeventia cookies a great option for customers who want their food dollar to support an overall healthier lifestyle.”
“We are thrilled that the world’s largest retailer will now carry Praeventia cookies with Wellmune WGP,” said Rich Mueller, president and chief executive officer, Biothera. “Praeventia cookies are a great example of innovations in functional foods that offer consumers foods that are healthier yet don’t compromise convenience or taste.”
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 polyphenol (antioxidant) content and the whole oat, a whole grain, contributes daily dietary fiber. The Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry also includes polyphenols.
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 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.
Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com