Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In a study of 116 healthy participants that consumed 500mg of fermented yeast daily (high in fiber, mineral, B-vitamins, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae) during 12 weeks of peak flu season, had significantly reduced incidence of cold or flu like symptoms and reduced duration of cold.
The common cold is one of the most common reasons for a doctor’s visit (1,2). In addition, the seasonal flu results in about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year in the United States (3). Recent research has shown that supplementing with fermented yeast reduces the risk of developing cold and flu-like symptoms (1).
The research included 116 healthy participants who were not vaccinated for the seasonal flu over a 3-month period during peak flu season (January to March). The participants were randomly divided into a placebo group (n=58) or a yeast group that received 500 mg of fermented yeast daily (n=58) (1).
The participants kept a diary of their symptoms, including headache, general aches/pains, fatigue, weakness, nasal stuffiness, nasal drainage, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, chest discomfort, chills, fever or other (1). They also were seen at the research clinic at baseline, week 6 and week 12 for a physical examination (1).
After 12-weeks, the yeast group showed significantly reduced incidence of the common cold or flu-like symptoms compared to placebo (mean 1.32 (95%CI 1.25-1.39) vs. mean 1.51 (95%CI 1.37-1.65; p =0.01)) (1). The yeast group also reduced the overall incidence of 10 of the 11 specific symptoms compared to placebo (did not decrease weakness). The duration of the cold or flu-like symptoms was decreased in the yeast group (3.59 days) compared to placebo (4.25 days), although the results were not statistically significant (p=0.10) (1).
The fermented yeast used in this study was high in fiber, minerals, B-vitamins and antioxidants, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae being the main ingredient (1). Previous research with fermented yeast has also shown it to be beneficial in reducing the risk and duration of the common cold and flu-like symptoms in individuals who were vaccinated for the seasonal flu (4).
In conclusion, 500 mg of oral fermented yeast daily reduced the incidence of cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy non-vaccinated participants (1). It is important to note that the company EpiCor that produces the fermented yeast used in this study had members of its company on the team of researchers.
Source: Moyad, Mark A., et al. “Immunogenic yeast-based fermentate for cold/flu-like symptoms in nonvaccinated individuals.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 16.2 (2010): 213-218.
© 2012 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers.
Posted April 4, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Moyad M, et al. Immunogenic Yeast-Based Fermentate for Cold/Flu-like Symptoms in Nonvaccinated Individuals. 2010 J Alt and Comp Med 16: 213-218.
- Cherry DK, et al. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2005 Summary. Adv Data 2007; 387:1–39.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2007–2008 Flu Season.
- Moyad MA, et al. Effects of a modified yeast supplement on cold and flu symptoms. Urol Nurs 2008;28:50–55.
