Beta Glucan Keeps Athletes Healthy

EAGEN, Minn. A new study in Journal of Dietary Supplements suggests a beta-glucan ingredient may help athletes stay healthy after intense exercise. Using the immune health ingredient Wellmune WGP (from Biothera), researchers from  three American universities investigated supplementation's effect on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) for immune health (Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2013 Sep;10(3):171-83.).

In the first experiment, scientists compared Wellmune supplementation to placebo in runners for 28 days post-marathon. Subjects reported URTI symptoms via log; beta glucan was associated with a 37-percent reduction in cold and flu symptom days compared to placebo (p = .026). The second experiment measured IgA after 50 minutes of strenuous cycling. Participants either received 250 mg/daily beta glucan or placebo for 10 days. Beta glucan subjects had a 32-percent increase in salivary IgA (p = .048) than placebo at two hours post-exercise.

The ingredient has also shown health and mood benefits; in February, researchers found Wellmune WGP supplementation reduced upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms and improved mood and mental and physical energy levels.