A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Pilot Study: Consumption of a High-Metabolite Immunogen from Yeast Culture has Beneficial Effects on Erythrocyte Health and Mucosal Immune Protection in Healthy Subjects

ABSTRACT

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study was designed to evaluate effects of consumption of an antioxidant-rich, yeast culture-based high-metabolite immunogen EpiCor^®. Twenty-five healthy participants consumed 0.5 gram EpiCor^® or placebo daily for 5 weeks. The hematocrit increased significantly in the EpiCor^® group (p<0.04). A mild increase in saliva sIgA upon EpiCor^® consumption (p=0.16) prompted a subsequent 8-week open-label study involving 22 people showing significant increase in sIgA (p<0.05). EpiCor^® consumption led to a mild increase in serum IL-10 (p<0.2); no other differences in Th1/Th2 cytokines were observed. Minor health complaints decreased in the EpiCor^® group compared to the placebo group (p<0.02). Seasonal allergies increased in the placebo group, but were not observed in the EpiCor^® group; this was reflected by increased serum IgE in the placebo group compared to the EpiCor^® group (p<0.13). We conclude that consumption of EpiCor^® supported the health of red blood cells and mucosal immune protection.

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