β-Glucan supplementation, allergy symptoms, and quality of life in self-described ragweed allergy sufferers

Abstract

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared the effects of daily supplementation for 4 week with 250 mg Wellmune WGP® β-1,3/1,6-Glucan (WGP) with placebo 250 mg/day (rice flour) on physical and psychological health attributes of self-described "moderate" ragweed allergy sufferers. Study participants (mean age = 36 ± 9 year; range 18-53 year) were recruited before the beginning of ragweed season (September) in Northeastern Ohio. Serum IgE concentration, allergy symptoms [via self-report, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ)], psychological well-being [Profile of Mood States (POMS)], and physical function (RAND SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study) were measured immediately prior to and after supplementation with WGP (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) for 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA). Compared with placebo, WGP reduced total allergy symptoms (28%), symptom severity (52%), and symptom rating on the VAS (37%) (P < 0.05), but had no effect on serum IgE levels. As measured by the POMS, WGP increased participants' rating of vigor (10%), but reduced tension (34%), depression (45%), anger (41%), fatigue (38%), and confusion (34%) (P < 0.05). Study participants given WGP reported increased physical health (11%), energy (19%), and emotional well-being (7%) compared with study participants given the placebo (RAND SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study). The WGP group also reported decreased sleep problems (53%), reduced nasal symptoms (59%), eye symptoms (57%), non-nasal symptoms (50%), activities (53%), emotions (57%), and improved quality of life (QOL) (56%), as well as improved global mood state (13%). Supplementation with WGP for 4 weeks improved allergy symptoms, overall physical health, and emotional well-being compared with placebo in self-described "moderate" ragweed allergy sufferers during ragweed allergy season.

Keywords: Allergy; IgE; allergy symptom; quality of life; ragweed; rhinitis; β-glucan.

Figure 1

Flow of study participants

Figure 2

Allergy Symptoms. When compared with placebo treatment with Wellmune WGP® for 4 weeks, there was a reduction observed in total number of allergy symptoms (28%), in symptom severity (52%),and in the rating of symptoms on the VAS (37%).*P < 0.05 compared with placebo.

Figure 3

Profile of Mood States. POMS factors improved from week 0 to week 4 following treatment with Wellmune WGP® including reduced tension (34%), depression (45%), anger (41%), fatigue (38%), confusion (34%), and increased vigor (10%). *P < 0.05. Treatment with placebo from week 0 to week 4 did not result in statistically significant improvements in these six POMS factors.

Figure 4

Global Mood States. The Global Mood State showed a 34% improvement (P < 0.05) following 4 weeks of treatment with Wellmune WGP. The placebo group did not show a significant improvement over the 4-week treatment period. A lower number is a “better” global mood state.

Figure 5

RAND SF-36 Medical Outcomes. After 4 weeks of treatment with Wellmune WGP®, there was an elevation in physical health (11%), energy (19%), and emotional well-being (7%), compared with placebo. *P < 0.05 compared with placebo.

Figure 6

Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life. After 4 weeks of treatment with Wellmune WGP®, there was a reduction in sleep problems (53%), nasal symptoms (59%), and eye symptoms (57%) and an elevation in QOL (56%); *P < 0.05 compared with placebo.