Efficacy of Transfer Factor to Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Adults

The goals of our study are to critically evaluate if a healthy population supplemented with Transfer factor experiences fewer incidences of colds and flu, or experience shorter duration of illness compared to an identical population taking placebo. In this study we will give either Transfer factor or a placebo to two groups of healthy adult men and women for a period of 7 weeks in a double-blind experimental design. The frequency and duration of colds and flu-like symptoms will be recorded during the course of the study. Saliva samples will be collected weekly and assessed for salivary IgA secretion rate. Data from this study will establish the efficacy of Transfer Factor to support a healthy immune system.

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Key information

Conditions

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Due to Influenza or Rhinovirus

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Males and females (18 - 40) who are in good health

Exclusion criteria

Subjects who are allergic to eggs (on which the supplement is based). If a volunteer is not sure if they are allergic to eggs or milk. Those who are currently smoking, have cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, renal insufficiency, any chronic disease that might interfere with study participation, BMI above 40 kg/m2, consumption of >12 alcoholic drinks weekly, or unwillingness to stop current supplement intake. Women who are pregnant or lactating will also be excluded from the study.

Treatment and study plan

transfer factor

Dietary Supplement

capsules, 2 per day by mouth for 7 weeks.

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

cornstarch, 2 capsules per day by mouth.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Utah

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Double Blind Study on the Efficacy of a Colostrum and Egg Yolk Supplement vs. Placebo to Reduce Frequency and Duration of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Adults

Important dates

Study start: 2010
Primary completion: 2010
Study completion: 2010
First posted: Apr 19, 2010
Registry last updated: Mar 21, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.