Wellmune

Dr. Philip Calder

As part of our ongoing commitment to increase understanding of the link between nutrition and immune health, we are pleased to make available an archive of the first in a series of continuing education modules for dietitians! The webinar, presented by Philip Calder, BSc (Hons), PhD, DPhil, RNutr, Professor of Nutritional Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine) was hosted by the Dietiitans in Integrative an Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This one-hour webinar explored the immune system, a complex system of cells and tissues that protects the human body from invading pathogens. Dr. Calder, a leading nutritional immunologist, highlighted the growing body of clinical understanding about the role that good nutrition plays in immune health throughout the lifecycle, and the importance of immune health to overall health and well being. He shared the latest clinical insights on enhancing immune function and conclude with several examples of novel dietary immune interventions.

Click here for a link to the webinar.

Click here for more about Dr. Calder.

EAGAN, MN, January 2, 2013—Wellmune WGP, a natural immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements, reduced allergy symptoms and improved the quality of life of ragweed allergy sufferers according to clinical results published online in the peer-reviewed journal Food Science & Nutrition. Click here for a link to the abstract.

An estimated 40 to 50 million Americans are affected by allergies, with ragweed a leading cause of seasonal allergy symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. Allergy symptoms are caused by an immune system overreaction to ragweed pollen.

The placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of 48 healthy people who were subjected to high pollen counts demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05):

• Reductions in overall symptoms and severity

• Reductions in key nasal and eye-related allergy symptoms

• Improvement on the Quality of Life Index, a scientifically validated tool for measuring how participants rate their overall sense of wellness.

Wellmune, a proprietary baker’s yeast beta glucan, mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over-stimulating the immune system. In this study, Wellmune was found to modulate the immune system when less of an immune response was needed.

The results of this study are consistent with numerous previous peer-reviewed, published studies demonstrating that Wellmune can safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy.

“The findings suggest that Wellmune WGP can play an effective role in reducing seasonal allergy symptoms among ragweed allergy sufferers,” said Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., lead investigator, GLH Nutrition, LLC. “While these results are encouraging, additional studies including more study participants should be conducted.”

“A daily regimen including all-natural Wellmune WGP is well-documented to safely support immune health, a key contributor to overall health and well-being,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera. “Given the important role immune modulation plays in managing symptoms, allergy sufferers who choose foods, beverages and supplements with clinically proven immune support can help ease their discomfort during allergy season.”

Study Design

The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study included self-described “moderate” ragweed allergy sufferers. Forty-eight healthy subjects were equally divided 48 healthy subjects (31 female, 17 male; 39± 13 years of age) into two groups. One group consumed a placebo while the other a 250 mg serving of Wellmune WGP daily for four weeks during September/October 2011 in an area of southeast Ohio with high pollen counts. Participants completed allergy surveys including the validated Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) to assess differences in allergy symptoms.

The research was funded by Biothera, Inc.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan 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

Immune health was on the menu at the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine breakfast during the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Philadelphia on October 8.  The featured speaker at the Biothera-sponsored event was Roger Clemens, DrPH, past president of the Institute of Food Technology. In this short video Dr. Clemens recaps the key points he made in this presentation to a packed hall of dietitians, focusing on what the immune system is, the role of nutrition in immune health and what is involved in immune function.

For more about immune health and nutrition resources for dietitians click here.

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.

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 experienced an average reduction of 40% in upper respiratory tract infection symptomatic days that commonly afflict 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.

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 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 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

What did you do for fun last night? What are your weekend plans? Did you know that your social life can have a direct impact on your immune system?

Here are five ways that you and your friends could be setting yourselves up for illness.

1. Watching too much TV. If your favorite source of entertainment is watching TV or going to movies, you need to consider using your muscles more often.  There is mounting evidence that moderate, consistent exercise helps protect us from everything from the common cold to more serious, chronic diseases. How about riding bicycles to the cineplex?
2. Eating out too often. You may enjoy dining out with friends, but if you’ve got the expanded waistline to show for it you might want to find lower calorie pastimes. Those extra pounds put you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer, partly because excess fat cells might be causing your body to produce fewer antibodies. Why not collaborate on a low-fat, low-calorie homemade meal instead? You may discover cooking with your friends is a lot of fun.
3. Feeling socially isolated. It doesn’t matter if you have just one friend or many. What’s important is how connected you feel to others in your life. Studies indicate that having strong relationships improves your mental as well as your physical health. Make time for good conversations without a lot of distractions, explore volunteer opportunities, and turn off your electronic devices when you’re together with friends.
4. Being pulled in too many directions. If your time is so over-committed that you’re running from one activity to another, it may be time to simplify your life. Numerous studies have linked stress with lower immune function. Try to prioritize your activities, and find ways to either delegate obligations or eliminate them entirely so that you’re spending most of each day doing the things that are most important to you.
5. Eating too much sugar. Researchers say that sugar suppresses immune system cells. Something to consider if you and your friends like to hit the yogurt shop regularly. Challenge your friends to find creative ways to eliminate sugar from your lives. Support each other until the temptations subside. Remember: you don’t need sugar to live a healthy, well-rounded life. Besides, enjoying just a little bit of sugar now and then will make the treat seem that much sweeter.