Beta glucan is a naturally occurring compound formed from sugar molecules and found in many plant sources.
There have been a variety of health benefits linked to glucans, specifically with the beta-1,3D glucan form, which has more biological activity than other types of polysaccharides.
Vital Info
- The body strengthens the immune system in response to beta glucan, increasing the production of white blood cells.
- Glucan molecules may help mobilize the immune system and put cells on "high alert."
- Cells in the immune system can modify immune responses.
- Over 200,000 verified studies on β-glucans have been published on PubMed.gov.
The body strengthens the immune system in response to beta glucan and increases the production of white blood cells while also helping to reduce allergic responses to non-harmful molecules.
Glucan molecules can help to mobilize the immune system to protect the body from invaders.
Taking beta-1,3D glucan has been linked to reduced blood cholesterol concentrations. Scientific studies found that regular consumption of glucan molecules is important for regulating blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol levels are an important factor in maintaining a healthy weight, meaning glucans should be a part of everyone’s diet.
These fibrous molecules help regulate intestinal motility, reducing symptoms of indigestion while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This process helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Suggested reading: 8 Practical Ways to Improve Your Immune System.
Studies on Beta Glucan
Some preliminary studies on animal models show that testing beta-1,3D glucan may help reduce or destroy tumors from cancer (1).
Animals that were administered this amazing molecule showed longer survival times, and humans that took beta glucans in another study also lived longer.
Beta-1,3D glucan has been shown to play a role in helping wounds heal, accelerating the body's recovery from surgery, reducing tissue damage from arthritis, and reducing nasal inflammation due to allergies (2).
Beta Glucan Medical Uses and Natural Sources
Medical Uses
For over 50 years, medical scientists have been testing β-glucans, resulting in over 200,000 verified studies published on PubMed.gov and more than 250 medical studies currently underway on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Beta glucans contain “immunomodulating activity” and increase immune defense by activating the complement system, enhancing macrophages, and improving natural killer cell function (3).
In simpler terms, beta glucans can enhance immune response like no other and are used for a wide variety of ailments (4):
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bloating
- Common colds
- Flu
- Diabetes
- Ear infections
- Fibromyalgia
- Hepatitis
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Irritable bowel disease
- Liver problems
- Lyme disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Physical and emotional stress
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
Most people have never heard of beta glucans before, yet there are nearly 17,000 peer-reviewed articles discussing them in scientific journals. It is truly a wonder that this fiber-like molecule has not "hit mainstream" yet as a supplement because the health benefits are absolutely superb.
Belonging to a group of physiologically active compounds called biological response modifiers, beta glucans are naturally occurring sugars that act as highly conserved structural components of cell walls in fungi, seaweed, and yeast (5).
Heart-healthy fiber is a core aspect of overall health and wellness.
Found in barley, beans, fruits, lentils, oat bran, and peas, fiber slows digestion and has been clinically shown to lower cholesterol (6).
Glucans have also been found to be very effective at healing skin conditions such as bedsores, dermatitis, diabetic ulcers, eczema, wounds, radiation burns, and even wrinkles.
Fascinatingly, “In contrast to microorganisms, tumor cells, as well as other host cells, lack beta glucan as a surface component.” This may be one reason why cancer is so vulnerable to glucan supplementation (7).
With that said, few people understand why and how they work. Czech researchers put it best:
"Despite almost 150 years of research, the exact mechanisms of their action remain unclear." (8)
The number and types of glucans seem limitless. In the words of the University of Louisville, Department of Pathology, “The number of individual glucans is almost as great as the number of sources used for their isolation.”
Despite the limited number of naturally occurring sources of beta glucan, there are common food sources rich in glucans and fiber:
- Oats (and oatmeal)
- Whole grains
- Cereals
- Yeasts
- Edible mushrooms (Shiitake, Maitake, Wood Cauliflower, and Snow Mushrooms)
- Celery
- Chi-chian leaves
- Carrot
- Radish
- Seaweed
- Algae
Beta-1, 3D Glucan
Of all the beta glucans that have been studied, Beta-1,3D Glucan seems to hold the most health potential for individuals who supplement with it.
Over 50 years of research from prestigious universities around the world document its health benefits. Beta-1,3D Glucan has been shown to boost the immune system to provide support and balance.
Medical doctors are even using (1–3)-β-D glucan as a non-invasive way to determine if patients have been affected by fungal infections (9). It is unlike other immune supplements that simply stimulate or alter the immune response in unnatural ways.
No Known Side Effects
Essentially, the main “side effect” of beta glucan is that it helps your body heal from sickness and disease.
In all seriousness, the majority of clinical trials conducted on animals and humans have not uncovered any adverse effects related to taking beta glucans whatsoever.
For example, a 13-week clinical trial found that when a maximum deliverable oral dose was administered to rats, it resulted in no harmful effects measured.
When taken orally, beta glucans are well tolerated and are considered by the FDA to be generally regarded as safe (GRAS rating).
Explore FAQs: Learn more about any side effects associated with glucan.
Two Important Side Notes
First and foremost, always be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking immune-boosting supplements.
Various sources stress that glucans are so effective at enhancing immune function that they may interfere with immune-suppressing drugs that autoimmune patients regularly take (10).
If you are considering purchasing Beta-1,3D Glucan for a family member or yourself, make sure the following immunosuppressants are not being taken:
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Basiliximab (Simulect)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Daclizumab (Zenapax)
- Muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3)
- Mycophenolate (CellCept)
- Tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf)
- Sirolimus (Rapamune)
- Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)
- Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) and others.
Secondly, not all glucan products on the market are created equal, and it is absolutely vital to avoid synthetic varieties with harmful fillers. An article published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology stresses this point:
"In addition, variations in β-glucan structure and composition are highly dependent on the particular method by which a β-glucan preparation is processed or manufactured, and these variations can have a significant impact on their respective immune stimulatory activity and effect that could also lead to significant toxicity when crude preparations are used therapeutically.”
Like any supplement, be sure to purchase beta glucan supplements from a trusted source and under the guidance of your natural healthcare provider.
Continue reading: All the Info You Need to Boost Your Immune System.