Effects of a modified yeast supplement on cold/flu symptoms

Urol Nurs. 2008 Feb;28(1):50-5.

Abstract

A yeast-based product (EpiCor, a dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate) was compared to placebo to determine effects on the incidence and duration of cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy subjects recently vaccinated for seasonal influenza. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 116 participants received daily supplementation with 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo for 12 weeks. Data collected included periodic in-clinic examinations and serologic evaluations at baseline, 6- and 12-weeks. Subjects also utilized a standardized self-report symptom diary during the study. Participants receiving the yeast-based product had significantly fewer symptoms and significantly shorter duration of symptoms when compared with subjects taking a placebo.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Common Cold / prevention & control
  • Common Cold / therapy*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Influenza, Human / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Yeast, Dried / therapeutic use*