Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate the effects of beta-1,3/1,6 glucan on stress associated with daily lifestyle in healthy subjects

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is attributable to physical and psychological stress.Fatigue isalsoa common symptom whichoccurs in both sick and healthy individuals. Although its mechanism of cause is complex,fatigue from stress is known to affect theexistingequilibrium of the immune system. However, nutrition, such as beta-1,3/1,6 glucan, has been reported to play an important role in regulating stress and fatigue states,via modulating a weakened immune system. In this study,a popular and healthy beverage in Okinawa, Japan,containing a soluble baker s yeast in black koji vinegar (Moromisu), was provided to healthy subjects with a non-strenuous daily lifestyle. Results: Byperforming statistical analysis on the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) survey, we observed thatoverall study results (n=14) demonstratedsignificant differences in fatigue and confusion in the POMS factors. Conclusions: In this study we confirmed that beta-1,3/1,6 glucan improved some of the factors related to stress and fatigue,as indicated by evaluation of POMS survey results.