Wildland Firefighters Stress Study, 2008

Abstract: Effects of an Immunomodulating Supplement on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters

Presentation: American College of Sports Medicine, May 2008

Publication: Pending

Summary:
In a clinical study, wildland firefighters taking Wellmune WGP® reported better overall health and 23% fewer upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) than those receiving a placebo. The results reflect the ability of Wellmune WGP to protect individuals under demanding physical and psychological conditions from stress-related health challenges.

In a single-blind, random, cross-over design, 54 wildland firefighters from the Bitterroot Hotshots and Great Northern Crews were given Wellmune WGP or placebo for 14 days, followed by a three-day washout period and another 14-day treatment period. During the course of treatments, subjects kept daily health logs recording cold and flu symptoms and overall feelings of well-being. If subjects recorded any cold symptom (runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, colored discharge) or flu symptom (fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, chest discomfort, cough) for two consecutive days, they were classified with an upper respiratory tract infection.

There was a strong statistical trend favoring the use of Wellmune WGP for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. Forty-eight percent of the firefighters experienced an upper respiratory tract infection while taking the placebo, but only 37 percent had an upper respiratory tract infection while taking Wellmune WGP. Additionally, a statistically significant number of firefighters rated their overall health better while taking Wellmune WGP than those who did not.