Abstract

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind design study was conducted to evaluate the effect of β-1,3/1,6glucan derived from bakers yeast, a commercially available dietary supplement, on symptoms associated with upperrespiratorytract infections and psychological well-being. Moderate to highly stressed subjects (45 men, 105 women)ranging in age from 18–65 (mean age: 39 ± 11 years) were administered placebo, 250 mg, or 500 mg β-1,3/1,6 glucanduring a 4 week treatment period. Subjects in both treatment groups (250 mg and 500 mg β-1,3/1,6 glucan per day)reported fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, better overall health and increased vigour, and decreasedtension, fatigue, and confusion based on the profile of mood states assessment.