Beta Glucans - What Are They and Which to Choose?
Beta glucan is the first choice of pharmacists strengthening immunity.
There are several types of beta glucan available in many forms such as capsules, tablets, syrups, rustling tablets, granules and others. So we come to the question, what is the best beta glucan? Before answering that question, let's look at how beta glucans are formed.
In this article
Characteristics of beta glucans
Beta glucans have mostly been researched for their immunological properties, but also for some others that we will describe.
Beta glucans are soluble fibers that come from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and some plants.
They are naturally present in cereal bran (barley i tooth and to a much lesser extent in rye and wheat, in amounts of about 7%, 5%, 2% and less than 1% respectively), the cell wall baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and many species mushroom (Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake).1
Beta glucans are polysaccharides whose structure consists of D-glucose molecules connected by β-1,3 glycosidic bonds in a skeleton from which D-glucose chains connected by β-1,4 or β-1,6 glycosidic bonds protrude like branches.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) 2008 yeast beta-glucans Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in 2011, beta-glucans isolated from mushrooms were granted status GRAS. This is a status for food and food ingredients that means they are "generally recognized as safe for use".
In order to achieve the desired bioavailability of beta glucan, the purification process, i.e. the removal of lipids and proteins from the yeast cell wall during production, is crucial. The required level of purity is at least 70-85%.
A synergistic immunostimulatory effect has been demonstrated in the combination of beta - glucan with vitamin C, zinc, propolis, honey, probiotics or reservatrol.3
Types and action of beta glucans
The difference between individual beta glucans is the length of the chain, the structure and the type of connection of the side branches of the D-glucose chains, and this determines their biological and farmakoleye effect. The more complex the molecule, the more potent beta glucan is considered to be.
1,3/1,4 – β glucans are isolated from cell walls of oats and barley and have a role in maintenance normal blood cholesterol levels.
1,3/1,6 – β glucans are located in walls of yeasts and fungi and they have immunomodulatory action.2 They stimulate the work of the immune system, and indirectly affect the non-specific immune response, strengthening the activity of macrophages, neutrophils and killer cells in the fight against various pathogens.
Yeast-derived glucans are most commonly used in dietary supplements for economy and ease of isolation. Those obtained from fungi have a distinctly branched shape, which is why they have a stronger stimulating effect on immunity.
Dosage
Food supplements are certainly the most practical source of beta glucan.
Proposed recommended twelve for minimal efficacy beta-glucans are 2 - 4 mg / kg body weight.
Usual dose in the prevention and promotion of immunity is 50 - 500 mg of 1,3 / 1,6 - β glucan for adults, and 2 - 45 mg / ml for children.
When used as support treatment and code acute conditions adults should take 500 - 3000 mg per day.
Code oncology patients take at least 1,5 g per day.
For regulation cholesterol u blood it is necessary to take more than 3 g of beta-glucan per day from oats and barley.
Beta glucans are taken pola sata ago meal for better absorption.
The best beta glucan
Beta glucan for immunity, viruses and colds
Immune system support - the most common reason for using beta-glucans, namely those from yeasts and mushrooms. Code falling immunity, as a prevention and treatment support for bacterial, viral or fungal diseases.
Upper respiratory tract infections - beta - glucans from yeast and fungi, in combination with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants reduce the symptoms caused by upper respiratory tract infections.
Buy: Pharmoval Imunosal
Imunosal capsules contain a unique combination of powerful Goldcell beta-glucan, vitamins, essential minerals and high-value coenzyme Q10.
They are intended for adults and children from 12 years of age.
Inside this affordable beta glucan is as much as 900mg of beta glucan.
Ingredients
RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSE | in 3 capsules | PU * |
---|---|---|
Beta- (1,3 / 1,6) -D-glucan | 900 mg | — |
Coenzyme Q10 | 9 mg | — |
Cink | 10 mg | 100% |
Vitamin D3V® | 5 µg (200 IU) | 100% |
Vitamin E | 12 mg α-TE | 100% |
Vitamin C | 80 mg | 100% |
Vitamin B1 | 1,1 mg | 100% |
Vitamin B2 | 1,4 mg | 100% |
Vitamin B6 | 1,4 mg | 100% |
Folic acid | 200 μg | 100% |
Vitamin B12 | 2,5 μg | 100% |
Pantothenic acid | 6 mg | 100% |
Biotin | 50 μg | 100% |
Niacin (BXNUMX) | 16 mg NE | 100% |
Iron | 4,2 mg | 30% |
Selenium | 27,5 μg | 50% |
Buy: Vitanet Beta Glucan 500 + Vitamin
Vitanet beta glucan is obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell walls.
This nutritional supplement serves as a strong support for the immune system and is useful in infectious diseases and chronic inflammations, and creates a defense system against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic and other disease-causing agents. It also serves as an antioxidant.
Ingredients
Ingredients (1 capsule): Beta 1,3 / 1,6-D-glucan 500 mg, Vitamin C 27 mg.
Beta glucan for children
When choosing beta glucan for children, it is important to find a nutritional supplement with a corrected taste that will appeal to children and with an appropriate dose for the youngest.
Buy: Imunosal Junior
Imunosal Junior syrup for children contains a unique combination of vitamins and minerals for the development and immunity of children and is specially adapted for children of the youngest age. It has an excellent fruity taste that children love.
It has a great fruity taste that kids love.
Ingredients
RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSE | in 5 ml | PU * | in 10 ml | PU** | in 15 ml | PU** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin D | 2,5 μg (100 IU) | 25% | 5 μg (200 IU) | 100% | 7,5 μg (300 IU) | 150% |
Cink | 4 mg | 100% | 8 mg | 80% | 12 mg | 120% |
Vitamin E | 5 mg α-TE | 100% | 10 mg α-TE | 83% | 15 mg α-TE | 125% |
Vitamin C | 25 mg | 100% | 50 mg | 63% | 75 mg | 94% |
Vitamin B1 | 0,5 mg | 100% | 1 mg | 91% | 1,5 mg | 136% |
Vitamin B2 | 0,7 mg | 88% | 1,4 mg | 100% | 2,1 mg | 150% |
Vitamin B6 | 0,7 mg | 100% | 1,4 mg | 100% | 2,1 mg | 150% |
Folic acid | 100 μg | 100% | 200 μg | 100% | 300 μg | 150% |
Vitamin B12 | 0,7 μg | 100% | 1,4 μg | 56% | 2,1 μg | 84% |
Pantothenic acid | 3 mg | 100% | 6 mg | 100% | 9 mg | 150% |
Biotin | 10 μg | 100% | 20 μg | 40% | 30 μg | 60% |
Niacin (BXNUMX) | 8 mg NE | 89% | 16 mg NE | 100% | 24 mg NE | 150% |
Iron | 1 mg | 17% | 2 mg | 14% | 3mg | 21% |
Beta glucan for allergies
Allergies - reduce the occurrence and intensity of allergy symptoms and achieve a better mood.
Buy: Solgar Beta Glucan
Solgar Beta Glucans contribute strengthening immunity (in infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and in chronic inflammation, hematological and oncological diseases, postoperative recovery and exhaustion of the organism). Helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS: | IN THE DAILY DOSE (3 TABLETS) |
---|---|
Beta 1,3 glucans (from the cell wall of natural yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) | 600 mg |
Beta glucan for cancer patients
Additional therapy in oncology patients - usually through an infusion, in consultation with a doctor. Combined with chemotherapy, they improve the survival and quality of life of patients.
Buy: Transfer Point Beta 1,3 D Glucan
Transfer Point beta glucan helps with:
- all infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi,
- chronic inflammation,
- tumor diseases,
- hematological diseases (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia),
- autoimmune disease (lupus, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis ..),
- slow and poor healing of injuries,
- postoperative recovery,
- exposure to different types of radiation (UV, electromagnetic)
- increases efficiency chemotherapy
Ingredients
Beta 1,3 D glucan 500mg, carbohydrates: glucose 3,6%, 1,3 glucose 86,6%, 1,6 glucose 2,1%, 2,3 glucose 5,8%, 3,6 glucose 1,0 %, Pullulan NP capsules of plant origin.
Beta glucan for viral diseases (HPV)
Beta-glucans are often used as therapy in infected people HPV virus and other viral diseases.
The only beta glucan on the market that contains highly purified (min. 85%) beta - (1,3 / 1,6) -d glucan in a full daily dose of 1275 mg with the addition of probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BLC1; and antioxidants of vitamins C, D and zinc in full doses.
Ingredients
1 sachet of powder contains:
- yeast extract Saccharomyces cerevisae 1630 mg of which: highly purified beta- (1,3 / 1,6) -D-glucan 1275 mg
- culture of live lyophilized lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BLC1, at the time of production at least 10 billion CFU *
- vitamin C 200 mg (250% PU **)
- vitamin D 5 µg (100% PU **)
- zinc 10 mg (100PU **)
Remark: Beta-glucans are not recommended in autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, lupus rheumatoid arthritis), when using immunosupresiva, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under one year of age.
Beta glucan for blood cholesterol
Maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels - glucans from barley and oats reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food in the stomach and intestines. It reduces total and LDL cholesterol and achieves a protective effect in vascular diseases.
Buy: Transfer Point Beta 1,3 D Glucan
Beta 1,3D Glucan Transfer Point is:
- the strongest natural immunostimulant of plant origin
- helps with all infectious diseases, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases
- stimulates bone marrow formation
- activates macrophages
- used in atherosclerosis (decreases cholesterol, prevents plaque formation)
Ingredients
Beta 1,3 D glucan 500mg, carbohydrates: glucose 3,6%, 1,3 glucose 86,6%, 1,6 glucose 2,1%, 2,3 glucose 5,8%, 3,6 glucose 1,0 %, Pullulan NP capsules of plant origin.
Conclusion
Depending on the type and source, beta glucans can help with a variety of conditions. Their immunomodulatory effect can help with weakened immunity caused by viral infections and other diseases.
Dietary supplements are the most practical way of taking beta glucan and come in various forms and at different prices. If you did not find your choice in this article, take a look the entire selection of beta glucans.
For people with health problems, it is definitely recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking dietary supplements, including beta glucan.
Literature
1. Rondanelli M, Opizzi A, Monteferrario F. Le attività biologiche dei beta-glucani [The biological activity of beta-glucans]. Minerva Med. 2009 Jun;100(3):237-45. Italian. PMID: 19571787.
2. Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicine (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606. PMID: 17895634.
3. Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J. Glucan–resveratrol–vitamin C combination offers protection against toxic agents. Toxins (Basel). 2012 Nov 9;4(11):1301-8. doi: 10.3390/toxins4111301. PMID: 23202317; PMCID: PMC3509709.