Effect of Natural Immune Modulators on Upper-Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) and Psychological Mood State

The main hypothesis is that the group(s) supplementing with natural stress modulators will demonstrate superior subjective assessments of both physical health (e.g. respiratory function, mobility, flexibility) and mental stress (e.g. mood, energy, focus).

Stress-related factors following intense endurance activity can lead to a range of adverse physical manifestations including muscle soreness, physical fatigue, and general malaise. Furthermore, stressful events frequently lead to negative emotions including temporary reductions in perceived mood and energy with heightened irritability and tension.

Each of the ingredients under consideration for this study, Chaga, Algae extract, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Astaxanthin, and Omega-3s, have a number of laboratory and animal studies demonstrating anti-stress benefits including improvements in physical mobility (e.g. flexibility), mental energy, and overall well-being.

Each of these ingredients may be considered as natural "stress-modulators" that can help to balance overall well-being and quality of life. Such natural substances represent an emerging approach to buffer the detreimnetal effects of physical and mental stressors.

Mushrooms, particularly Chaga, have a long history of use in traditional medicine for supporting general well-being. An abundance of in-vitro evidence suggests that a wide range of mushroom bioactives may modify stress responses, with promising preliminary research in humans.