Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes

Abstract

This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind study designed to evaluate the effect of a commercially available dietary supplement on upper-respiratory tract symptoms (URTI) and mood state. Seventy-five marathon runners (35 men, 40 women) ranging in age from 18-53 years, mean age: 36 ± 9, self-administered placebo, 250 mg or 500 mg of BETA 1,3/1,6 GLUCAN (commercial name Wellmune WGP(®)) daily during the 4 week post-marathon trial period following the 2007 Carlsbad Marathon. Subjects filled out the profile of mood state (POMS) assessment and a questionnaire style health log measuring health status and URTI symptoms after 2- and 4-week treatment administrations. During the course of the 4-week study, subjects in the treatment groups (250 mg and 500 mg BETA-GLUCAN per day) reported significantly fewer URTI symptoms, better overall health and decreased confusion, fatigue, tension, and anger, and increased vigor based on the POMS survey compared to placebo. BETA-GLUCAN may prevent URTI symptoms, and improve overall health and mood following a competitive marathon. Key pointsBeta-Glucan supplementation maintains immune function in endurance athletes.Beta-Glucan supplementation reduces post-exercise URTIs in marathon runners.Maintenance of post-exercise immune function is associated with improved mood state, including reduced fatigue and increased vigor in athletes.

Keywords: Dietary supplements; beta- Glucans; exercise; respiratory tract infections.

Figure 1.

Total number of subjects reporting any of 11 pre-selected upper-respiratory tract infection symptoms. Subjects orally administered placebo, 250 mg or 500 mg BETA-GLUCAN. Data analysis was by paired t-tests. * p ≤ 0.05

Figure 2.

Health score during BETA-GLUCAN administration. Subjects responded to 2 and 4 week supplement effectiveness question: “During the course of the supplement regimen, my health has been…: ”Scores for the question were based on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being worse, 5 being same and 10 being better health. Data analysis was by paired t-test. * p ≤ 0.05.

Figure 3.

Overall health-score. Subjects responded to a 2- and 4-week health status question: “At the end of this 2-week period, how would you rate your overall health...? ”Scores for the question were based on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being worse, 5 being same and 10 being better health. Data analysis was by paired t-test. * p ≤ 0.05

Figure 4.

Data analysis for specific POMS factors calculated from POMS score sheet. Data analysis was by paired t-test. Each factor was determined using answers to specific adjective based scales as described in the Profile of Mood States manual by McNair et al., 1971.. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant *p ≤ 0.05.

Figure 5.

The global mood state was calculated based on scoring (0-4 with 0 = not at all, 2 = moderately and 4 = extremely) answers to 58 of the 65 adjectives. Data analysis was by paired t-test. *p ≤ 0.05.