Beta Glucan is primarily cultured extract of Baker's Yeast cell wall. It is used as an immunostimulant. It is a scientifically proven biological defense modifier (BDM) that nutritionally potentiates and modulates the immune response. As a supplement, after swallowing orally, Beta Glucan is ingested primarily through macrophage and dendritic immune cells, to nutritionally and safely yield, through immune response potentiation and modulation, in many instances various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. For many years Glucans have been investigated for these immune enhancing properties, particularly their ability to activate macrophage immune cells and NK-Cells, plus in turn, the T-Cells, and B-Cells; including selected cytokines and complement.
Beta Glucans seem to stimulate/irritate white blood cells called Macrophages into action. There is actually Beta Glucan receptors displayed by immune cells that the lectin fits right into like a lock and key and switches on or activates the macrophage to do it's job. Increased macrophage activity triggers a whole cascade of immune events, which basically boost immune response, which improves Natural Host Resistance. It also stimulates the production of immune cells. A new study says that increasing the intake of the soluble fibre Beta Glucan, decreased the glucose and insulin response in overweight men, and could help reduce the risk of diabetes.
References:
Beta Glucan Research Organization. http://www.betaglucan.org/
The Cancer Cure Foundation. http://www.cancure.org/beta_glucan.htm
K.M. Behall, D.J. Scholfield and J.G. Hallfrisch, Nutrition Research. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=73027-beta-glucan-resistant-starch-diabetes
