Yeast Beta-Glucan May Decrease Respiratory Infections in Kids

The baker’s yeast beta-glucan used in food, beverages and supplements may help decrease episodes of common childhood illnesses and symptoms of illness such as upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, according to a study presented at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Clinical Nutrition Week 2016.

The randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study was conducted by H&J CRO International Inc. in Beijing with 156 healthy children aged 12 to 48 months in China, whose health was tracked over 12 weeks. The children were divided into three groups receiving 75 mgs of Wellmune®, 35 mgs of Wellmune or a placebo in liquid each day. Reseachers observed the health of children after administration of Wellmune or the placebo, recorded the total days and times of upper respiratory tract infections and the total days and times of all kinds of infection symptoms. All records were medically verified and no significant difference between the Wellmune dose groups was found.

Findings showed 62 percent of children taking Wellmune reported “good" health status compared to only 15 percent of children taking a placebo. Children taking Wellmune also had two-thirds fewer upper respiratory tract infections and six fewer sick days over a 12-week period.

Previous studies with Mead Johnson Nutrition found that children consuming toddler formula with Wellmune had significantly fewer acute respiratory infections, required fewer antibiotic interventions, and missed significantly fewer days of school as a result of shorter durations of illnesses.

“Childhood is a particularly important time to support immunity, when developing immune systems are susceptible to colds and other health issues," said Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development for Wellmune. “This new study, combined with previous research demonstrate the unmatched clinical evidence behind the natural ingredient’s ability to keep kids healthy and shorten the duration of illness."

For more information on immune-boosting functional ingredients download INSIDERS’s free “Year-Round Immune Health" Digital Issue that examines the market’s ingredients, sales data and regulations.