Wellmune

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.

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

EAGAN, MN – March 5, 2012 – MonaVie, a leading product innovator in the health and wellness category, has selected Wellmune WGP^®, the natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, for its newest health juice, Monavie MX™. The introduction builds upon MonaVie’s product family of ready-to-drink beverages, sachets and shots that include Wellmune WGP.

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.

“We are gratified that MonaVie has chosen to expand its offering of good-for-you beverages with Wellmune WGP. The line extension underscores both market acceptance of products with Wellmune as an ingredient and its flexibility to meet a range of formulation requirements,” said Rich Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer.

Described as offering a powerful punch of antioxidants, including 19 fruits and 11 vegetables, MonaVie MX is formulated with MonaVie BioEssence™ technology, which provides greater bioavailability, and features AçaVie™, the most potent form of açai available.

“MonaVie MX is the ultimate juice blend,” said Shawn Talbott, PhD, and MonaVie’s vice president of product research and development. “It synergistically combines the immunity-strengthening defense of Wellmune with scientifically validated glucosamine to increase joint mobility and a broad array of powerful antioxidants. This triple combination of health benefits helps safeguard the body against potentially harmful microorganisms, promotes joint health and fights oxidative damage and aging.”

Mueller added, “As consumers look for more ways to support their health and vitality, the broader availability of clinically proven Wellmune WGP in brands they trust offers peace of mind and worry-free convenience that contributes to healthy habits for a lifetime.”

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.

About MonaVie

MonaVie is a leading product innovator in the health and wellness category. Starting with the açai berry, MonaVie has fulfilled its mission to bring the rarest and most efficacious nutritional products to a global market. Its reputation as an innovative leader has been confirmed again with the introduction of its revolutionary new product philosophy, MonaVie Nutritional Chemistry™, that delivers custom nutrition to meet an individual’s unique nutritional needs in an easy-to-use delivery system. Learn more about MonaVie at www.monavie.com.

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Click on the article below from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes for Health. Along with doing a good job explaining the innate and acquired immune system, it explores immunity as we age. The article suggests that ongoing research may help further understanding about whether or not there’s a way to “reverse the decline and boost immune protection in older individuals.”

Here’s the link: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/biology-aging/immune-system-can-your-immune-system-still-defend-you-you-age

We’d suggest that older folks consider taking Wellmune to safely enhance immune system function. Wellmune doesn’t discriminate based on age and primes the existing immune cell population to help maintain good immune health.

Check back often for more insight into the benefits of Wellmune throughout the life cycle.

Business trips may be great for your company and your career but they can play havoc with your health. Changes in your sleep patterns, diet and exercise routines – not to mention travel-related stresses – can weaken your immune system. That’s why so many business travelers tend to feel rundown, and suffer from more than their share of colds and flu.

Here are some steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting sick on your next business trip.

1. Dodge airport germs by wearing socks. The floors at security checkpoints are dirty. No need exposing your bare feet to germs that could lead to fungal infections.
2. Thwart airborne germs on the plane. The air aboard an airplane dries out your nasal membranes, making you less resistant to infection. Use a saline nasal spray before and after your flight to keep your those membranes moist.
3. Take Wellmune WGP® before and throughout your trip. Wellmune engages your body’s neutrophils, which are the soldiers of the immune system. It naturally primes these cells so that they are ready to serve as your body’s first line of defense and keep you healthy.
4. Re-set your body clock. Adjust to a new time zone as quickly as possible. If you arrive at bedtime, then try to go to sleep as soon as you get to your hotel. If it’s daytime, try to stay awake.
5. Pack gym clothes. Most hotels now offer workout rooms so you can keep up with your daily exercise routine.
6. Be kind to your digestive system. It’s tempting to stray from your normal eating habits while traveling, especially when most (if not all) of your meals are in restaurants. You’ll feel less sluggish if you choose lean entrees, and include fruits and vegetables with each meal. Avoid alcohol and be sure to monitor your portion sizes.
7. Avoid germs in high-traffic areas. Viruses can survive 18 hours on hard surfaces. Use your shoulder instead of your hands to push open doors in public places. Try to remember not to place your palms down on the hotel’s front desk counter. Wash your hands often, especially after handling restaurant menus, condiment containers and other items that are touched by dozens of people a day.
8. Don’t skimp on your sleep. You’ll be more effective in your business meetings, and your body will function more efficiently. If you’re generally have troubles sleeping while away from home, bring along some melatonin, which is a safe and natural way promote drowsiness.

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.”

It’s estimated that 35-37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis – that miserable inflammation or irritation of our sinuses that causes stuffy, runny noses. Sufferers may also get facial pain and pressure, a cough, fever, fatigue and even dental pain.

Typical causes include bacterial infections, allergies, upper respiratory infections or sometimes abnormalities in the structure of the nasal passage.

Wellmune WGP can help prime your immune system’s response to allergens and may reduce some of your most annoying sinusitis symptoms.  One study involving ragweed sufferers showed that Wellmune WGP reduced overall allergy symptoms and severity, while also reducing key nasal and eye-related allergy symptoms. We’ll give you a full report on the ragweed study in a separate post.

Four other natural sinus remedies that might give you some relief are:

1. Moist air.  Lean over a bowl of bowling water, with a towel draped over your head trapping the steam. Inhale continuously for 10 minutes. Repeat this two to four times a day until symptoms subside. For an extra boost, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.
2. Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps to lubricate your mucous membranes, reducing sinus irritation. Hot beverages such as tea give you the additional benefit of inhaling steam. And chicken soup has some anti-inflammatory properties that may also be beneficial.
3. Avoid smoke and alcohol. It doesn’t matter if it’s tobacco smoke or smoke from a campfire, it will irritate your already troubled sinus membranes. Alcohol may worsen sinus swelling, making it even more difficult to breath.
4. Nasal irrigation. You can try removing mucus from your nose by preparing a solution of 2 cups warm distilled water and one teaspoon of salt. Lean your head down into the sink, pour some of the solution into your palm and inhale it into one nostril at a time. Then gently blow your nose. Neti pots work pretty much the same way. Holding your head down and sideways, you slowly pour the solution into your upper nostril while breathing through your mouth.  The water will flow out through your lower nostril. Blow your nose then reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the procedure.

EAGAN, MN — September 3, 2011 — Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP,  will sponsor a webinar about the link between stress and numerous health problems, including suppression of the immune system, at 1:00 pm U.S. central standard time on Wednesday, September 14. The webinar will be hosted on FoodNavigator-USA.com and NutraIngredients-USA.com.  Register here.

The webinar is entitled, “Closing the Window on Stress-Related Immune Suppression,” and features distinguished panelists in the fields of natural medicine, exercise physiology and immunology and immune health ingredient research will discuss their research and what it may mean to manufacturers of foods, beverages and supplements.

Surveys show that 75% of Americans today say they are “stressed out” and that stress is a major factor in workplace absenteeism and lost productivity. “Our industry has a tremendous opportunity to develop products that can deliver real immune health benefits to consumers so they can better cope with the daily stresses of their lives,” said Richard Mueller, president of Biothera’s Healthcare Group.

The webinar panel will include three industry experts:

Michael T. Murray, N.D.
Chairman, Dr. Murray Natural Living, Inc.

Brian McFarlin, Ph.D., FACSM
Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Immunology
Department of Health and Human Performance
University of Houston

Don Cox, Ph.D. 
Senior Vice President, Research & Development
Biothera, the immune health company

For more information, contact:
David Walsh
Vice President, Communication
Biothera
651-256-4606
dwalsh@biothera.com