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Beta-1,3-Glucan And It's Benefits

A new nutritional supplement product called beta-1,3-glucan is one of the most exciting things happening today in the field of nutritional supplements. Beta-1,3-glucan is a polysaccharide (a complex type of carbohydrate molecule) with immune-stimulating properties. Specifically, it stimulates the activity of macrophages, immune cells that destroy cellular debris, microorganisms, and abnormal cells by surrounding and digesting them. Beta-1,3-D-glucan is a supplemental form of beta-1,3­glucan made from the cell walls of baker's yeast. Despite its origin, it does not contain any yeast proteins. It is useful for treating many bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. It can also kill tumor cells and increase bone-marrow production.

Because of its ability to protect the immune system, beta-1,3-D-glucan may protect against the effects of aging. Studies done as early as the 1970s, have found that it can reduce the size of cancerous tumors in rats. Further investigation has shown beta-1,3-D-glucan to be a potent agent for healing sores and ulcers in women who have undergone mastectomies.

Beta-1,3-glucan is found in the cell walls of many yeast and cereal fibers, such as oats, wheat , and barley . As a dietary supplement, beta-1,3­glucan is available in liquid form as well as in capsules and tablets.

Benefits of beta-1,3­glucan

• Beta-1,3-glucan has been scientifically proven in its ability to increase the immune system's response to viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal invasions.
• Beta-1,3-glucan boosts the effectiveness of cholesterol-reducing drugs.
• Beta-1,3-glucan is a known antioxidant, effectively removing dangerous free radicals that can accelerate aging and cause tumor growth.
• People who exercise excessively, professional and amateur athletes as well as people who workout intensively and also those under physical or emotional stress who have a temporary immune deficiency which can result in infection. Beta-1,3-glucan will provide them with nonspecific immunostimulation that can increase their resistance to illness.

Dosage of beta-1,3­glucan

For lowering cholesterol levels, the amount of beta-1,3­glucan used in clinical trials has ranged from 2,900 to 15,000 mg per day. For enhancing immune function, an effective amount has not yet been determined due to the lack of studies in this application. However, manufacturers of beta-1,3­glucan products usually recommend between 50 and 1,000 mg daily (to be taken on an empty stomach), although some products contain as much as 500 mg per capsule.