SUPPLEMENT ADVISOR

beta-glucans: what you need to know

This super fiber is gaining recognition for its immune-boosting prowess.

If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your immunity, you’ve probably heard about beta-glucans. A type of fi ber found in the cell walls of foods such as cereal grains, mushrooms, yeast, and seaweed, these biologically-active compounds have multiple—often profound—health benefi ts. Dozens of studies suggest that diff erent kinds of beta-glucans can lower cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, reduce infl ammation, improve insulin resistance, protect against diabetes, and reduce the risk of cancer.

What’s especially important right now: beta-glucans are one of the best-studied immune supplements on the market, and may protect against viral, bacterial, and other infections. They’re thought to work by activating immune cells, enhancing the function of natural killer cells and white blood cells that engulf and consume foreign invaders, and improving the body’s potential to defend against invading viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Beta-glucans may be especially important in the management and prevention of respiratory tract infections, and can support the body’s natural immune response in times of stress and increased susceptibility to infection. In one study of moderately to highly-stressed participants, those who received either 250 mg or 500 mg of beta-glucans reported fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, better overall health, increased vigor, and decreased tension, fatigue, and confusion.

Up Your Intake

You can fi nd naturally occurring betaglucans in several foods, including grains, mushrooms, and yeast. Barley and oats have the highest beta-glucan levels of cereal grains; other grains, including wheat, rice, and rye, contain lower amounts. Mushrooms, especially reishi, shiitake, maitake, and chaga, are rich in beta-glucans. Other sources include Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (nutritional and baker’s yeast) and some types of seaweeds, especially Laminaria sp., a group of brown algae commonly known as kelp.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy, to get benefi cial amounts of beta-glucans from food, especially the types known for immune support. To really increase your infection protection, choose a well-formulated supplement. Betaglucans vary in structure, which impacts their biological activity. In studies, beta 1,3/1,6 glucan products have the most signifi cant immunological benefi t and off er the best protection against bacterial and viral infections. And the source is key. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from S. cerevisiae yeast is the most studied form for immune support, and has been shown to protect against pathogens and reduce infections.

In addition to beta-glucans, mushrooms contain alpha-glucans, which may also improve immunity. In fact, mushroom-derived glucans have been licensed as successful immune-modulating and cancer-preventive drugs in Japan since 1983.

One mushroom-derived compound in particular—active hexose correlated compound, or AHCC—is an alpha-glucanrich ingredient from shiitakes that has a broad range of eff ects on the immune system. For the best protection, look for a beta-glucan supplement labeled “beta glucan 1,3/1,6” or “beta 1, 3-D glucan,” or choose AHCC or a beta-glucan-rich mushroom supplement.

Doctor’s Best

EpiCor

Vital Proteins

Vitality Immune Booster with Wellmune

Solaray

Beta Glucan 200 mg