Overview
The goal for this clinical trial is to document rapid effects of a nutritional blend on immune cells. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design will be used.
Description
Clinical trial comparing the acute immune effects of a nutraceutical blend, and a placebo. The nutraceutical blend is based on low molecular weight peptides isolated from cow colostrum ultrafiltrate, mushroom extracts, and vitamin C.
24 subjects will participate in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study design, wherein they will be consuming placebo or the active nutraceutical blend, separated by a 1-week washout period.
Baseline blood samples are taken 1 hour after participants arrive; the dose is then administered. Additional blood samples are taken 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours following consumption of test product.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy adults;
- Age 18-75 years (inclusive);
- Veins easy to see in one or both arms (to allow for the multiple blood draws);
- Willing to comply with study procedures, including:
- Maintaining a consistent diet and lifestyle routine throughout the study,
- Consistent habit of bland breakfasts on days of clinic visits,
- Abstaining from exercising and nutritional supplements on the morning of a study visit,
- Abstaining from use of coffee, tea, and soft drinks for at least one hour prior to a clinic visit;
- Abstaining from music, candy, gum, computer/cell phone use, during clinic visits.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous major gastrointestinal surgery (absorption of test product may be altered) (minor surgery not a problem, including previous removal of appendix and gall bladder);
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications on a daily basis;
- Currently experiencing intense stressful events/ life changes;
- Currently in intensive athletic training (such as marathon runners);
- Currently taking antipsychotic medications such as clozapine, Risperdal, Abilify, Zyprexa or Seroquel;
- An unusual sleep routine (examples: working graveyard shift, irregular routine with frequent late nights, studying, partying);
- Unwilling to maintain a constant intake of supplements over the duration of the study;
- Anxiety about having blood drawn;
- Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant;
- Known allergies related to ingredients in active test product or placebo.