What is Beta Glucan? Is it safe to take and how does it work to build the immune system?

BETA GLUCAN

Beta Glucan is generally found in barley, oats, rye, wheat and other cereal grains, yeast, fungi and certain mushrooms. Beta Glucan is a polysaccharide in structure and has two forms:

a) Soluble form: Generally in the bran of cereals. This is largely used for the fibrous texture it provides in order to cleanse the gut.

b) Insoluble form: This insoluble form is obtained from the cell wall of yeast. This branched-structured Beta Glucan is an immune modulator and has been proven to act as a biological defense modifier.

Beta Glucan is appreciably been noticed and researched for its effects on the activation of macrophages, T-cells and B-cells of the body’s immune system by enhancing phagocytosis (envelopment and digestion of pathogenic organisms). This ultimately boosts the immune system and hence prevents against infectious diseases, tumor cells and certain other antigens.

Beta Glucan if taken in the right dosage and pure form is considered harmless and safe. (For more information on dosage, see our FAQ.) Beta Glucans have widely been administered for certain diseases and conditions. Among the more important findings and uses:

· Cancer: For the last three decades the researchers have been trying to prove the effects of Beta Glucan on tumor and cancer cells. When Beta Glucans are used along with monoclonal antibodies or cancer vaccines, it has been observed that the life expectancy is far better than the monoclonal antibodies alone.

· Infectious diseases: Certain infectious diseases and infections (caused by traumas, injuries, and surgeries) can be improved significantly by the injected or oral form of Beta Glucans. It is also been used for the prevention of infections in patients who are susceptible to infections and infectious diseases.

· Septicemia and septic shocks: Phagocytosis activated by the administration of Beta Glucans is extremely helpful in removal of sepsis, pus cells, debris and the antigens causing this, as it activates macrophages; hence also activating T-cells and B-cells.

· Healing in surgery and wounds: The post-operative use of Beta Glucans or administration after injury or trauma helps in reducing the chances of infectious complications and mortality rates.

· Allergies: Beta Glucans aids in the prevention of certain allergic reactions and immunodeficiency by strengthening the first line of defense.

· Immunodeficiency conditions: Certain immunodeficiency conditions either genetic or idiopathic can be significantly prevented or reduced by the use of Beta Glucans.