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

Abstract: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study was designed to evaluate effects of consumptionof an antioxidant-rich, yeast culture-based high-metabolite immunogen EpiCor®. Twenty-five healthy participants consumed0.5 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-labelstudy involving 22 people showing significant increase in sIgA (p<0.05). EpiCor® consumption led to a mild increase inserum IL-10 (p<0.2); no other differences in Th1/Th2 cytokines were observed. Minor health complaints decreased in theEpiCor® group compared to the placebo group (p<0.02). Seasonal allergies increased in the placebo group, but were notobserved 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 immuneprotection. --- Keywords: Erythrocyte, hematocrit, allergy, IgE, immune, Th1/Th2, inflammation, sIgA.