Effects of a yeast β-glucan supplement on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in free-living college-aged males

Author

Casey E. Gorham, The University of Montana

Year of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Health and Human Performance

Committee Chair

Brent Ruby

Commitee Members

Charles Dumke, Jack Nunberg

Keywords

immune, resistance, ß-glucan, susceptibility

Abstract

The focus of previous research has demonstrated that both oat and yeast ß-glucan benefits immunosuppressed populations. However, previous research has not, to our knowledge, investigated the effects of a yeast ß-glucan on the ummune functioning of healthy, free-living human populations. PURPOSE: The goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of a yeast ß-glucan on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy, free-living, college-aged males. METHODOLOGY: The WURSS-44, a reliable, validated survey used for determining symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection was filled out online daily by 79 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 40. Subjects were given a bottle of 250 mg capsules of either yeast ß-glucan or placebo to take daily. RESULTS: Yeast ß-glucan demonstrated no statistically significant effect on the experimental subject population for any of the variables associated with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSION: Yeast ß-glucan does not significantly improve immune functioning in healthy, free-living college aged males.

Recommended Citation

Gorham, Casey E., "Effects of a yeast β-glucan supplement on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in free-living college-aged males" (2009). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 355.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/355