TITLE:
Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial
AUTHORS:
David Briskey, Haibo Zhang, Zhixian Chen, Amanda Rao
KEYWORDS:
Beta-Glucan, Cold, Flu, Baker’s Yeast
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.15 No.6,
June
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.