Beta-glucan's effect on upper respiratory infections in elite skiers

A Clinical Study to Determine if Beta-glucan Reduces the Incidence, Duration or Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Among Skiers

This study is testing if taking a daily supplement of beta-glucan can help elite skiers avoid getting sick with upper respiratory infections and feel better if they do.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: USANA Health Sciences (industry)
• Drugs / interventions: methotrexate
• Locations: 1 site (Park City, Utah)
• Trial ID: NCT05917015 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether a daily dietary supplement of 200 mg beta-glucan can reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among elite skiers over a 45-day period. The study employs a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, enrolling 50-60 healthy participants aged 18 to 30. Participants will complete daily surveys using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-24 (WURSS-24) to track URTI symptoms and weekly assessments with the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) to evaluate psychological stress. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of beta-glucan in improving health outcomes for this specific athletic population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy male and female skiers aged 18 to 30 who are in good health and can comply with study requirements.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or taking immunosuppressive medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a dietary intervention to help elite athletes reduce the frequency and severity of URTIs, potentially enhancing their performance and overall health.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of beta-glucan in elite athletes is novel, previous studies have shown that beta-glucan can have beneficial effects on immune function.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide informed consent by signing the electronic Information and Consent Form.
* Male or females between the ages of 18 and 30 (inclusive) without regard to race or ethnic background
* Are in generally good health and have no medical conditions that would prevent or interfere with their participation in the study
* Are fully able and willing to comply with the requirements of the study
* Are fully able and willing to keep scheduled appointments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Females that are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant or are currently lactating/nursing a child.
* Individuals currently taking prescription medications that are known to be immunosuppressants (e.g. dexamethasone, tacrolimus, methotrexate)
* Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, etc.) that may affect consumption of the treatment supplements.
* Individuals with clinically important renal, hepatic, cardiac pulmonary, pancreatic, neurologic or biliary disorders; insulin-dependent and orally controlled diabetics will also be excluded from the study.
* Individuals with a recent history of cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer.
* Individual's that have trouble swallowing pills.
* Individuals that have participated as a subject in any other clinical study within 30 days of screening.
* Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse or other substance abuse within the previous 2 years.
* Individuals that currently use tobacco products including chewing tobacco and cigarettes.

Where this trial is running

Park City, Utah

• US Ski and Snowboard Center of Excellence — Park City, Utah, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mark Levy, PhD — USANA Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Mark Levy

Conditions: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Mental Stress