Beta glucan
Other names : 1-3,1-6-beta-glucan, 1-3,1-6-bêta-glucane, B-Glucane d’Avoine, Barley Beta-Glucan, Barley B-Glucan, beta-1,3-D-glucan, Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan, Bêta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucane, Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan, Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucane, Bêta-1,3 / 1,6 Glucanes, Beta-1,3 / 1,6 Glucans, Beta -1,3-D Glucan, Bêta -1,3-D Glucane, Bêta-1,3-D-glucane, Beta-1,3-Glucan, Bêta-1,3-Glucane, Beta 1,3 Glucan, Bêta 1,3 Glucane, Beta 1,6 Glucan, Bêta 1,6 Glucane, beta-1-6,1,3-beta-glucan, Beta 1,3 Glucans, Bêta 1,3 Glucanes, Beta Glucan, Beta-Glucan, Bêta-Glucane, Bêta-Glucane d’Avoine, Bêta-Glucane d’Orge, Bêta-Glucane Dérivé de la Levure, Bêta-glucanes, Beta Glucanos, Beta-Glucans, Beta Glycans, Beta-Glycans, Grifolan (GRN), Lentinan, Oat Beta Glucan, Oat B-Glucan, PGG Glucan, PGG-Glucan, Poly-[1-6]-Beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-[1-3]-Beta-D-Glucopyranose, Schizophyllan (SPG), SSG, Yeast-Derived Beta Glucan.
β-Glucans (beta-glucans) are polysaccharides of D-glucose monomers linked by β-glycosidic bonds. β-glucans are a diverse group of molecules that can vary with respect to molecular mass, solubility, viscosity, and three-dimensional configuration. They occur most commonly as cellulose in plants, the bran of cereal grains, the cell wall of baker's yeast, certain fungi, mushrooms (shiitake, maitake and Pleurotus Pulmonarius) and bacteria. Some forms of beta glucans are useful in human nutrition as texturing agents and as soluble fiber supplements, but can be problematic in the process of brewing.
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Special Precautions of Beta glucan
- Although beta-glucan is generally considered safe, there's some concern that it may lower blood sugar. Therefore, people with hypoglycemia (or anyone taking medications to reduce blood sugar) should consult a physician before using beta-glucan.
- Many inferior versions contain large particulate sizes that also tend to re-aggregate (clump together) once ingested. Look for Glucans that have small particle sizes (one to two microns) for the best absorption with little chance of aggregation. Do not be afraid to research and ask questions when considering which supplement to use.
- When consumed excessively Beta glucan can cause severe fall of blood pressure. Beta-glucan reacts with pattern recognition receptor (PRR) of macrophages to produce nitric oxide (NO). In appropriate quantities, NO induces favourable cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. In excess, it damages tissue and DNA. In high concentration it may causes septic shock. Even when administered in moderate quantities, increased formation of NO results in vasodilation and fall in blood pressure. Although none of the above adverse effects in humans have been reported, it is nonetheless conceivable. Patients on hypertensive drugs should therefore be more alert when consuming chaga, constantly looking out for symptoms of postural hypotension.
The benefits of Beta glucan are
Different studies have evaluated the benefits of beta glucan in promoting better health and preventing diseases. In its long list of health benefits, beta glucan’s significance in cancer prevention has received more positive observations from different clinical studies. Beta glucan comes in the form of Beta-1, 3 glucan as manufactured food supplement. A study showed beta-1, 3 glucan’s potency in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and tumors in laboratory animals. The compound was also found to improve the effects of chemotherapy treatment. The mortality rate of cancer patients was observed to be lower with the use of beta-1, 3 glucan than with chemotherapy alone. The compound demonstrates potency in lowering blood cholesterol levels and enhances the immune system by improving the macrophages’ ability to respond to infection.
- Cholesterol : The beta-glucan found in oats may help keep cholesterol in check, according to a 2011 report from Nutrition Reviews. Looking at studies conducted over the previous 13 years, the report's authors determined that oat-derived beta-glucan may significantly reduce levels of total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. On average, the authors note, daily oat consumption is associated with 5 percent and 7 percent reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels, respectively.
- Diabetes : Beta-glucan may help manage diabetes, a 2008 research review from Vascular Health and Risk Management suggests. Analyzing previous research on beta-glucan and diabetes, the review's authors found that dietary intake of beta-glucan may help protect against diabetes-related complications by controlling blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and keeping blood pressure in check.
- Cancer : Preliminary research indicates that beta-glucan may activate a number of cells and proteins that fight cancer (such as T-cells and natural killer cells). What's more, tests on animals have shown that beta-glucan may inhibit the spread of cancer cells. However, a 2009 report in the Journal of Hematology and Oncology cautions that there are "no good quality clinical trial data" for the effectiveness of beta-glucan in treating cancer.
- Cancer : Used in Immuno therapies.
- Immunity : Currently, there is a lack of clinical trials supporting the claim that beta-glucan can rev up the immune system and stave off colds, flu, and other types of infection. However, some preliminary research suggests that beta-glucan may strengthen the immune system and knock out viruses. In a 2004 study from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, for instance, tests on mice revealed that beta-glucan may offset the negative effects of exercise-induced stress and increase the immune system's defense against upper respiratory tract infections.
- allergies : beta glucan not only helps ease seasonal allergies, but also perennial allergies. It works year round!
Food Sources
Yeast and medicinal mushroom derived β-glucans are notable for their ability to modulate the immune system. One study has shown that insoluble (1,3/1,6) β-glucan, has greater biological activity than that of its soluble (1,3/1,4) β-glucan counterparts. The differences between β-glucan linkages and chemical structure are significant in regards to solubility, mode of action, and overall biological activity.
- Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi, Chaga mushroom and Pleurotus Pulmonarius mushrooms contains beta-glucans.
- Baker’s Yeast : One of the most common sources of β(1,3)D-glucan for supplement use is derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
- β(1,3)(1,4)-glucans are also extracted from the bran of some grains, such as oats and barley, and to a much lesser degree in rye and wheat. The β(1,3)D-glucans from yeast are often insoluble. Those extracted from grains tend to be both soluble and insoluble.
- Oat is a rich source of the water-soluble fibre (1,3/1,4) β-glucan, and its effects on health have been extensively studied the last 30 years. Oat β-glucans, together with barley β-glucans, are the only dietary fiber currently recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be able to reduce a disease risk. Oat β-glucans can be highly concentrated in different types of oat brans
- Barley has more beta glucan fiber than any other grain" claims a report on DiabetesHealth website; 11 sources are listed.
- Some types of seaweed
