Beta Glucan for Immunity

Yeast-derived beta-glucan is an effective immune system booster.

Beta glucans are fibers found in a variety of organisms. Beta glucans have multiple physiological effects, including:

• Boosting immune function. The body treats beta-glucan as a foreign substance, which leads to an immunostimulatory response.

Overview

Beta-glucans are fiber compounds found in the cell wall of bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and some plants. Historically, beta-glucan-containing mushrooms such as Japan’s shiitake and China’s reishi have been utilized in traditional Asian medicine.

Modern research confirms that beta-glucans have a variety of health effects, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, weight loss, wound healing, antioxidant activity, and boosting immunity.

Although all beta-glucans share a similar structure, their biological effects and potency can vary depending on their source. So far, it appears that beta-glucans derived from yeast possess the most potent immune-boosting activity.

How Beta Glucan Might Help With Immunity

Stimulating immune function

Beta glucans are recognized as a foreign substance by the body. Because of this, the immune system reacts with a chain of immune responses including phagocytosis, production of cytokines, and increased activity of immune cells including neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells. As a result the immune system is stimulated and better prepared to fight infections and illnesses. ¹

Beta Glucan Uses & Benefits for Immunity

Betan-glucan is a popular dietary supplement for boosting immune function and warding off cold and flu infections in particular. Whereas other popular immunity boosters such as Vitamin C have inconclusive research evidence, beta-glucans are backed by dozens of successful research studies.

A number of studies show that beta-glucan can also improve immunity and reduce chances of upper respiratory infections (URIs) following strenuous exercise. ^{2 3}

Research

Animal Research

Animal investigations of the beta glucan’s immunity-modulating effects indicate that it can:

• Stimulate immune activity. Rats given beta-glucan show improved phagocytic activity, gammaglobulin levels, improved oxidative metabolism in immune cells, and other markers of enhanced immune function.^{4 5}
• Decrease inflammation. Dogs with IBD supplemented with beta-glucan saw an improvement of symptoms and reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 alongside a rise in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. ⁶
• Improve microbial defenses. Beta glucan has been shown to enhance the anti-microbial activities of human leukocytes in isolated blood, and improve the clearance of bacterial infections in rats. ^{7 8}

Human Research

Clinical trials of beta glucan report promising findings.

Yeast beta-glucan appears to reduce upper respiratory symptoms

This study examined the effects of beta-glucan on upper respiratory infections (URIs) and mental well-being. Seventy-seven women with moderate stress were given placebo or a beta-glucan supplement (Wellmune, 250 mg) daily for 12 weeks. Women taking Wellmune had fewer URI symptoms, better mood, and energy levels.

• The researchers concluded that “…supplementation with Wellmune reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus it may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors.”⁹

Yeast beta glucan may improve cold infections

This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study tested the effects of beta-glucan on the common cold. One hundred people were given placebo or yeast betan-glucan daily for 26 weeks. Compared to placebo, the beta-glucan group had less people with a common cold episode (38 vs 48), less infections during the height of the infection season, and less severe symptoms.

• The researchers concluded that “The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo.“¹⁰

Yeast beta glucan seems to improve colds

In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study, 162 people were given placebo or insoluble yeast beta-D-glucan daily for 16 weeks to test its effects on cold infections. People in the beta-glucan group had 25% fewer cold infections, a 15% lower symptom score, and had less difficulty with sleep during their colds.

• The researchers concluded that “…yeast beta-glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.“¹¹

Beta glucans appear to reduce inflammation

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study tested the anti-inflammatory properties of beta-D-glucans. Twelve obese or overweight individuals were given placebo or BDG capsules daily for 4 weeks, and switched groups 4 weeks later. Taking BDG resulted in increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

• The researchers concluded that “Increased IL-10 after BDG consumption might be a contributing factor to the known beneficial effects of dietary fiber intake.“¹²

Dosage for Immunity

• Successful studies does not list a consistent dosage, but tend to use yeast-derived beta glucans
• Beta glucan supplements come in doses of 100 – 500 mg
• General dosage for beta glucans is 250 mg
• Look for supplements that mix Beta 1,3 and Beta 1,6 glucans, since these are derived from yeast