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 — 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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EAGAN, MN − January 31, 2013 − Biothera announced today that Joy Dubost, Ph.D., RD, CSSD, has joined its board of scientific advisors. In this role Dr. Dubost will help guide the company in its outreach initiatives to dietitians and food and beverage manufacturers for Wellmune WGP^®, Biothera’s clinically proven immune health ingredient.

Dr. Dubost is president of Dubost Food and Nutrition Solutions LLC and an expert source of evidence-based information within the food, beverage and nutrition communities. She has been a media spokesperson for a number of professional organizations and serves on the Nutrition Division leadership team for the Institute of Food Technologists. She is also a recognized speaker at industry events, a sought-after expert among professional and consumer media and has published a number of peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Dubost has worked in the areas of clinical nutrition, nutrition communications, public policy, recipe and product development, and nutrition education.

EAGAN, MN – January 24, 2013 – Biothera, the immune health company, today announced that sports nutrition consultant Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS, has joined the Biothera Healthcare Scientific Advisory Board. In this role, Ellis will advise Biothera on its educational outreach to coaches, athletic trainers, athletes and sports dietitians. He will also provide insight to Biothera customers on product development.

A 30-year veteran and thought leader in the sports nutrition arena, Ellis has worked with a prestigious roster of athletes and championship teams from Olympic gold medalists and Cy Young Award winners to NCAA football champions and Super Bowl winners. He is president of Sports Alliance, a consulting firm he founded after 20 years with the University of Nebraska and the University of Wisconsin. He served as the first President of the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitian Association and is currently Past President/Ambassador.

“From the training table and performance lab to the product development bench, Dave Ellis has the pulse on what it takes to fuel athletic performance,” said Richard Mueller, CEO, Biothera. “We are thrilled to have him on our team as we build visibility for Wellmune WGP^® in the sports performance field.”

Wellmune is a natural ingredient that primes key immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Peer-reviewed clinical research demonstrates that Wellmune improved immune function in athletes before, during and after intense exercise, which often temporarily weakens the immune system.  In addition, Wellmune reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.

“If you don’t feel well you can’t train well or attain performance goals,” Dave Ellis said. “The clinical research on Wellmune demonstrates that immune support can matter to sports performance. I’m excited to take the immune health message to the sports community.”

In addition to being a Registered Dietitian, Ellis is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Nebraska.

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

EAGAN, MN – Jan. 21, 2013 – Wellmune WGP^®, the natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, is now available in MediChá^®, a functional beverage in Taiwan made by U!be Group Inc., a leading innovator in the health and wellness category. MediChá^® is a unique tea concentrate shown to address the health concerns of people with metabolic syndrome.

Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without artificially stimulating the immune system.

“We are excited that U!Be Group is expanding its offering and bringing Wellmune to the Chinese community through the tradition of drinking tea. MediChá with Wellmune is a perfect match of ancient wisdom of the East with a nutritional breakthrough from the West,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera.

“MediChá synergistically combines the immune-strengthening mechanism of Wellmune and scientifically validated ingredients to help optimize glycemic response into a unique preparation of Pu-erh Tea concentrate from hundred-year-old tea trees,” added John Perng, Ph.D., U!be Group Inc.’s vice president of R&D and business development. “This triple combination of health benefits helps to enhance the immune system, promotes healthy metabolism and supports overall health.”

Mueller added, “MediChá with Wellmune is a great example of how beverage companies can create added value for their brand. Immune support is one of the most sought-after functional health benefits.”

About U!be Group Inc.

U!be Group Inc. is a pioneer in creating innovative nutraceutical products featuring clinically-proven nutraceutical ingredients and novel delivering systems. The company’s goal is to provide natural solutions to health problems with its U!be brand of products that is efficacious yet affordable to the general public. For more information visit www.ubelife.com.

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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EAGAN, MN – January 14, 2013 – Wellmune WGP^®, the clinically proven natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, is now available in a drinkable yogurt product from Grupo Gloria, the largest commercial dairy company in Peru. Initial distribution is planned to retail locations across the country including supermarkets and convenience stores.

Gloria’s Pro Defensis marries the clinically proven systemic immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP with the gut health benefits of probiotics. It is the first-ever yogurt to combine these clinically proven benefits.

“Yogurt is an everyday, mainstream food product making it an ideal delivery system for the daily immune support that Wellmune WGP provides,” said Richard Mueller, CEO, Biothera. “We’re gratified that working closely with Gloria and our distributor Quimtia, yogurt now joins the wide range of applications for the proven immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP.”

Pro Defensis is available in vanilla and strawberry flavors. Each bottle delivers 100 mg of Wellmune. The recommended daily serving is 2.5 mg/kilo of body weight.

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.

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Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
651-675-0300 (main)
dwalsh@biothera.com

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.

PHILADELPHIA – October 2, 2012 – Biothera, the maker of Wellmune WGP^®, an immune health ingredient for food, beverages and supplements, is bringing its immune health message to dietitians for the first time at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo booth #1207 in Philadelphia Oct. 7-9.

Wellmune WGP^® is a natural ingredient 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 stimulating the immune system.

Biothera will offer in-booth presentation about immune health and dietary interventions on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 11:45 a.m.-noon and 12:45-1:00 p.m.; and on Monday, Oct. 8 from noon-12:15 p.m. and from 1:00-1:15 p.m.

“There are exciting developments in the understanding of how better immune health can contribute to overall health and well being,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera. “Ingredients like Wellmune WGP provide a safe and effective way to support the immune system for everyone in the family.

“Unlike other immune health ingredients, Wellmune is designed for everyday use year-round,” Mueller added. “As the body of clinical evidence reveals, Wellmune boosts immune cells that help keep the body healthy in times of stress and helps maintain healthy energy and mental clarity.”

Wellmune can be found in products ranging from juices, soups, bread, toddler formula, energy shots, dietary supplements, nutrition bars and smoothies. It is the culmination of $300 million in research and development. There are nine clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Wellmune in reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory tract and lifestyle stress.

For more information about immune health topics for dietitians visit http://www.wellmune.com/for-dietitians/.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast 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

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.

It’s Monday morning; the alarm clock goes off two hours early and you skip breakfast to get into work a little early. That’s because today you make a high stakes business presentation that you rehearsed all weekend. As you fight rush hour traffic, you notice your throat feels sore. Why is it that you always seem to get sick when something important is going on?

Nearly everything we do can have an impact on our immune system: from getting up earlier than usual to skipping breakfast or working overtime on a project.

1. Stress

Stress comes at us from all directions – work, family, even our social lives. Your body responds by releasing cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones that raise blood pressure, cholesterol levels and wreck havoc on your immune system. You add to your stress by skipping meals, not getting a full night of sleep and avoiding exercise.

If you are constantly on the run, you might benefit from adding Wellmune WGP to your daily routine. A study of 122 healthy volunteers with stressful lifestyles found that 58 percent of them experienced fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and improved psychological well-being after taking Wellmune WGP daily for 12 weeks.

2. Too much fast food

If most of your meals come in a bag, you might be needing a few more sick days. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides antioxidants needed to neutralize free radicals. That’s important because free radicals break down cells in your body, leaving you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. When you feel sickness coming on, you can boost immunity with foods such as yogurt, green tea, oatmeal, broccoli, garlic, oysters, red bell peppers and spices such as turmeric, oregano and ginger.

3. And too few ZZZs

When you get less than six or seven hours of sleep each night, your risk of getting sick increases. During sleep your body produces more protein. These protein molecules allow cells to repair damage caused by stress and other harmful exposures.

4. The exercise “Catch 22”

We all need exercise, but you should be aware how the volume of exercise you do impacts your immune system.

Moderate, consistent exercise increases the production of macrophages, the cells that attack bacteria. Research conducted at Appalachian State University found that those who walked at 70-75 percent of their aerobic capacity for 40 minutes each day, had half as many sick days due to colds or sore throats as others who didn’t exercise.

But, as many marathoners and other athletes have discovered, more than 90 minutes of intense endurance exercise can actually make you more susceptible to illness for up to 24 hours. However, Dr. Brian McFarlin, an associate professor at the University of Houston, found that Wellmune WGP before exercise can improve immune response.

McFarlin tested 60 male and female athletes. Each took either a placebo or Wellmune WGP for 10 days. The athletes then rode an exercise bike in a 100-degree heat chamber, set at 45 percent humidity. Blood samples were taken before and after the exercise. They repeated the experiment 10 days later, but switched who received the supplement. In both tests, the athletes who took Wellmune before working out had stronger immune systems after exercising.

While we can’t control the all the stresses that life throws at us, but by being more aware of the impact of exercise, better dietary management and supplementation, we can help our immune systems stay healthier.