Beta 1,3 Glucan

Beta 1,3-Glucan are naturally occurring fiber-like, long-chain sugar molecules (i.e., polysaccharides) originating from numerous yeasts, barley and oat fibers, and several mushrooms that have been used in medicines. Combinations of 1-3 and 1-6 glucans can be found in baker's yeast and mushrooms, while 1-3 and 1-4 glucan groupings have been located in oat foodstuffs. Beta 1,3 glucan has been shown to be a potent non-specific immune-activator. Numerous scientific investigations have demonstrated that 1,3 glucan activates the immune defensive cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages that provide protection from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, and their by-products.

The macrophages pick-out and destroy attacking bacteria and other organisms, as well as tumor cells and waste from other cells. It is also believed that beta 1,3 glucan can network with other cells found in the body; having been shown to have receptors for human skin cells. Beta 1,3 glucans have been shown to have wide-ranging effect on the body's immune system, by increasing the formation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and several types of T-lymphocytes.

Glucans can stimulate macrophage immune cells, natural killer cells, and T-Cells and B-Cells, including chosen cytokines. Beta 1,3 glucan have been shown to protect against the effects by radiation exposure by protecting against free-radical formation, and to lower blood the waxy, fatty substance produced by the liver and found in the blood. After taking yeast and oat-derived glucans for one month, total blood cholesterol was lower by ten percent, low-density-lipoprotein waxy, fatty substance produced by the liver and found in the blood was lower by eight percent, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) increased by sixteen percent.

Beta 1,3 glucan also helps to control the glycemic index. By reducing the rate of the stomach emptying its contents, the absorption of sugar is slowed into the circulation. Hence, a better control of sugar in the blood.

Taken as an oral supplement, beta 1,3 glucan is ingested principally through macrophage and dendritic immune cells. The usefulness of beta 1,3 glucan is determined by the degree a certain amount of beta glucan in a product enhances the immune response; not by how much is contained in a capsule. Large dosages and/or fractions of beta glucan contained in a capsule do not determine ingredient purity, immune response and/or cell activation. What better determines beta 1,3 glucan's effectiveness are the source, processing, particle size and uniformity of its particles.

Beta 1,3 glucans must be supplied to the body, as the body does not manufacture it. Thus, there exists no minimum daily requirement or allowances for beta 1,3 glucan. For the above studies beta glucan has been shown to provide lowering effects for the waxy, fatty substance that can accumulate in blood vessels.

Beneficial results were seen following supplementation with 2,900-15,000 mg daily for four weeks; and for increasing functioning of the body's immunity, no dose has yet to be determined. However, companies that supply beta 1,3 glucan normally suggest 50-1,000 mg daily. Beta 1,3 glucan ought to be consumed when your stomach is empty. Beta glucan are believed to be harmless by the Food and Drug Administration.

http://www.tldp.com/issue/184/Yeast%20
Derived%20Beta.htm

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1999 Sep;221(4):281-93.Mushrooms, tumors, and immunity.Borchers AT, Stern JS, Hackman RM, Keen CL, Gershwin ME.

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