BELOIT, WI, ─ January 18, 2016 – Wellmune®, the immune strengthening bakers yeast beta glucan used in food, beverages, and supplements, helps to keep children significantly healthier by decreasing episodes of common childhood illnesses and symptoms of illness such as upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (URTI), according to a new study conducted by H&J CRO International Inc., in Beijing. The study was recently presented at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Clinical Nutrition Week 2016, and voted Best International Abstract.
“Childhood is a particularly important time to support immunity, when developing immune systems are susceptible to colds and other health issues,” said Don Cox, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research and Development for Wellmune – a proprietary yeast beta glucan that is part of Kerry’s nutrition and wellness portfolio. “A strong immune system provides children with a powerful defense against common illnesses that can disrupt the whole family, making it essential to provide proven nutrition that fosters healthy immune function.”
Demonstrating Wellmune’s ability to enhance key immune functions that help keep children healthy, the study findings showed that 62% of children taking Wellmune reported “good” health status compared to only 15% of the children taking a placebo. The study also found children taking Wellmune had two-thirds fewer upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and six fewer sick days over a 12-week period.
“This study is part of a growing body of clinical evidence of Wellmune’s ability to strengthen the immune system of children by helping immune cells act more quickly,” added Don Cox. “This new study, combined with previous research demonstrate the unmatched clinical evidence behind the natural ingredient’s ability to keep kids healthy and shorten the duration of illness.”
Previous studies with Mead Johnson Nutrition found that children consuming toddler formula with Wellmune had significantly fewer acute respiratory infections, required fewer antibiotic interventions, and missed significantly fewer days of school as a result of shorter durations of illnesses.
Study Protocol:
The study was conducted by H&J CRO International Inc. in Beijing with 156 healthy children aged 12 to 48 months in China, whose health was tracked over 12 weeks. The study was randomized, double-blinded and placebo controlled. Children were divided into three groups receiving: 75 mgs of Wellmune, 35 mgs of Wellmune, or a placebo in liquid each day. Investigators observed the health of children after administration of Wellmune or the placebo, recorded the total days and times of upper respiratory tract infections and the total days and times of all kinds of infection symptoms. All records were medically verified and no significant difference between the Wellmune dose groups was found.
About Wellmune®
Wellmune is a 100% natural food, beverage, and supplement ingredient clinically proven to help strengthen the immune system, making it easier for consumers to be well and stay well. This proprietary yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan has regulatory approval in major markets around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel food approval in Europe and China. Safe for everyday consumption, Wellmune is available in more than 60 countries. Wellmune is patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic, GMO-free, gluten-free, and Informed-Sport certified. A recipient of numerous food industry awards for scientific excellence, Wellmune is part of Kerry’s nutrition and wellness portfolio. For more information, visit www.wellmune.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Kerry
Kerry Group today is a world leader in Taste & Nutrition serving the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries and a leading consumer foods processing and marketing organisation. The Kerry organisation has grown to become a highly successful public company, having achieved sustained profitable growth with current annualised sales in excess of €5.8 billion. Launched as a public company in 1986, the market capitalisation of the Group has grown to a current level of approximately €12 billion. Kerry Group now employs over 24,000 people throughout its worldwide activities and operations.
