03.19.08
Indication: Incidence/duration of cold and flu
Source: Urologic Nursing, February 22, 2008;28(1):50-5.
Research: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted during an acute 12-week period of the year for cold and flu seasonal symptoms. It included 116 participants who had recently been vaccinated against seasonal flu (influenza) and received daily supplementation with 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo.
Results: Extensive quantitative and qualitative data showed that the participants receiving EpiCor had significantly fewer cold and flu symptoms and significantly shorter duration of symptoms as compared to those taking a placebo. Placed in a healthcare context wherein professionals have increased contact with unhealthy patients, this translates into approximately 32% fewer annual sick days. "This is the largest randomized trial to examine the impact of a fermented yeast product on cold- and flu-like symptoms ever conducted," said Larry Robinson, PhD, a co-author of the study. "If EpiCor can significantly reduce the incidence and duration of colds and flu, imagine the significance this could have on healthcare costs, sick days and lost revenue-in addition to the more obvious impact on people's overall health."