Study supports Wellmune’s immune support activity for general fitness
Scientists from the University of North Texas report that daily supplements of Kerry’s Wellmune for 10 days prevented common post-exercise immune suppression because they had significantly higher numbers of immune cells called monocytes and T-cells circulating in the blood compared to placebo.
The researchers also reported that Wellmune was associated with a maintenance in elevate levels of cytokines during exercise stress and superior recovery capability, compared to placebo.
The new study builds on previous trials, which have found that oral supplements of Wellmune can support immune function in people performing intense exercise (McFarlin et al. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2013, Vol. 10, pp. 171–183 and Carpenter et al. British Journal of Nutrition, 2013, Vol. 109, pp 478-486), and marathon runners (McFarlin et al. Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Vol. 44, Supplement S181, 1376 Board #157).
“When combined with our previous studies, it appears that the systemic effect of oral [baker's yeast beta glucan] supplementation was independent of physical fitness level. This supports the hypothesis that [baker's yeast beta glucan] supplementation supports the post-exercise immune system in individuals with a wide range of physical fitness levels,” wrote the authors in Frontiers in Physiology.
“There are many kinds of physical stress beyond structured exercise, so future research may seek to apply this supplementation paradigm to individuals who work in stressful, physically demanding jobs (i.e., law enforcement officers, public safety officers, and soldiers).”
The ingredient
Wellmune is a beta-glucan based ingredient derived from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that ‘primes’ the innate immune system - the body’s first line of defense against invasion by bacteria and viruses.
Data indicates that fragments of Wellmune digested and released by macrophages bind to the CR3 receptor sites on neutrophils, priming these cells for disease-fighting activity without over-boosting the immune system.
To produce it, Kerry removes the mannans, proteins and lipids from a proprietary strain of yeast to produce a highly purified beta 1,3/1,6 glucan (which should be distinguished from cholesterol-busting oat beta glucan, which has a different molecular structure: 1,3/1,4).
Study details
Led by Dr Brian McFarlin at the Applied Physiology Laboratory at the University of North Texas, the researchers recruited 109 health adults of average fitness to participate in their study. Participants were randomly assigned to consume daily Wellmune supplements (250 mg) or placebo for 10 days before undertaking a treadmill test. All participants observed a seven-day washout period after exercise and before beginning the other arm of the trial.
The results showed that participants taking Wellmune produced 48% more of the cytokine interferon-gamma than the placebo group. During recovery from exercise, the Wellmune group had a 43% (two hours into recovery) and 38% (four hours into recovery) increase in the number of killer T-cells circulating in their blood, compared to placebo.
In addition, Wellmune supplementation also significantly increased the number of circulating monocytes after exercise by 27% (two hours into recovery) and 29% (4 hours into recovery), reported the researchers.
Donald Cox, PhD, Kerry’s Director of R&D for Wellmune, commented: “Immediately after vigorous exercise, the strength of the body’s immune system is reduced, making both trained athletes and ‘weekend warriors’ more prone to illness. The positive results from this study are critical indicators that taking Wellmune can help strengthen the immune systems of active adults undergoing high physical stress.
“Through our focus on clinical research, we are committed to providing an effective immune health ingredient that helps people live a quality life and supports their activate lifestyles,” continued Cox. “This study builds on already established clinical data that demonstrates Wellmune helps support our immune system throughout our life or lifestyle needs.”
Source: Frontiers in Physiology
8:786.
“Oral Supplementation with Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan Is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T Cells and Cytokines Following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise”
Authors: B.K. McFarlin et al.
