Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Figures & data

Table 1. Demographics.

Variable	Control (N = 133)	β-Glucan (N = 69)
Sex
Sex (% female)	68 (51.1%)	34 (49.3%)
Age (y)	39.2 ± 10.2	37.4 ± 10.3
Race
White	104 (78.2%)	56 (81.2%)
Black or African American	4 (3.0%)	2 (2.9%)
American Indian/Alaskan Native	2 (1.5%)	1 (1.4%)
Asian or Pacific Islander	13 (9.8%)	5 (7.2%)
Multiracial Origin	6 (4.5%)	1 (1.4%)
Other	4 (3.0%)	3 (4.3%)
Not Provided	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.4%)

Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation for quantitative data and N (%) for categorical data and are for the per-protocol (PP) population.

Table 2. Upper respiratory tract infection outcomes.

	Control (N = 133)	β-Glucan (N = 69)	p value
Duration of URTI episodes	2.99 ± 4.43	2.80 ± 4.84	.5304
Total symptomatic days	3.84 ± 6.84	3.43 ± 6.44	.0346
Total number of URTI episodes	0.52 ± 0.71	0.38 ± 0.60	.1647

All values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results shown here are from the per-protocol (PP) population. Duration of URTI episodes was analyzed using two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test using Hochberg procedure for multiplicity. Total symptomatic days and total number of URTI episodes were analyzed using two-sided, two-sample zero-inflated Poisson model. One URTI episode is defined as ≥2 symptomatic days. URTI = upper respiratory tract infection.

Table 3. Jackson index rating.

	Control (N = 133)	β-Glucan (N = 69)	p value^2
Total score	5.60 ± 2.23	4.52 ± 1.61	.0184
Nasal discharge	1.38 ± 0.47	1.07 ± 0.31	.0008
Nasal obstruction	0.93 ± 0.59	0.94 ± 0.48	.8955
Sneezing	0.73 ± 0.56	0.76 ± 0.50	.7948
Sore throat	0.64 ± 0.53	0.28 ± 0.27	< .0001
Malaise	0.49 ± 0.61	0.32 ± 0.41	.1453
Headache	0.43 ± 0.46	0.39 ± 0.43	.7673
Cough	0.77 ± 0.62	0.58 ± 0.60	.1981
Chilliness	0.23 ± 0.37	0.18 ± 0.27	.4703

All values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results shown here are from the per-protocol (PP) population; p values obtained from two-sided, two-sample unequal-variance z test.

Table 4. Exercise-related outcomes.

	Control (N = 133)	β-Glucan (N = 69)	P value
Missed days of premarathon training due to URTI	0.43 ± 1.10	0.29 ± 0.96	0.5702
Missed days of postmarathon workout due to URTI	0.36 ± 1.40	0.09 ± 0.38	0.0054
Days to resuming postmarathon workout	3.52 ± 3.19	3.57 ± 4.74	0.7007
Intensity of postmarathon workout	5.94 ± 0.96	5.77 ± 1.19	0.8252

All values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results shown here are from the per-protocol (PP) population. Missed days of marathon training and missed days of postmarathon workout due to URTI were analyzed using two-sided, two-sample zero-inflated Poisson model. Days to resuming postmarathon workout was analyzed using log-rank test. Intensity of postmarathon workout was analyzed using two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test. Intensity was measured using an 11-point scale whereby 0 = extremely easy and 10 = extremely hard. URTI = upper respiratory tract infection.

Bergendiova K, Tibenska E, Majtan J. 2011. Pleuran (betaglucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 111(9):2033–2040. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-1837-z

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