Beta Glucan Boosts Post-Exercise Immune Response

It is well-known that strenuous exercise can weaken or suppress the immune system, thus leaving athletes and those who regularly exercise at increased risk of infection and illness. However, new study results suggest that it may be possible to prevent, or at least lessen, post-exercise immune suppression by taking Wellmune WGP, a popular dietary supplement based on the polysaccharide beta-glucan. Dr Brian McFarlin and colleagues evaluated the effects of 10-days of supplementation with the supplement or a placebo on 60 active men and women. The supplementation period was followed by a 7-day washout period, and participants then crossed over to the other intervention for a further 10-day period. Participants were asked to cycle for approximately 50 minutes in hot conditions during both study periods. Blood was collected at baseline (before supplement), pre-exercise, post-exercise, and 2 hours post-exercise. Results showed that total and pro-inflammatory monocyte levels were significantly greater 2-hours after exercise during the supplementation phase than during the placebo phase. The researchers concluded: “The key findings of the present study demonstrate that BG may have potential to alter immunity following a strenuous exercise session.”