Beta Glucan

Beta Glucan is a polysaccharide that is found only in foods such as oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. Hence, the body does not produce this element like it does with other compounds that we have written about in the past, so you are at the mercy of your diet and supplementation to get it.

Beta Glucan is comprised of sugar molecules, and it may be referred to as Beta 1,3D glucan on supplement labels because of the position of its structure at several locations of the polysaccharide structure.

How it works

There is a reason scientists refer to beta glucans as biological response modifiers - they bind and help specific immune cells organize and attack their targets (such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells).

Specifically, it stimulates macrophages, which are cells that ingest and destroy invading pathogens, and signal other immune cells to fight in the body. What's more, they also stimulate white blood cells that bind to viruses and tumors, releasing chemicals to eradicate them. Cytokines are also released as a result of macrophage stimulation. These are additional chemicals that enable immune cells to communicate with one another.

Deficiency

You read that oats and psyllium husk are good for your heart all the time. In fact, they are referred to as 'superfoods,' but you probably did not know that the reason for this is that they contain considerable amounts of beta glucan.

Once again, the American diet fails to provide any of this important polysaccharide, and we wonder why heart disease is so common in our nation. For instance, most people I know get zero servings a day, so you should take a look at your diet and find ways to include foods that contain beta glucan. In addition to that, you should also get some of it as part of your support supplement stack.

Research and medical uses

In one study both male and female participants with existing cholesterol problems were given oat fiber extract, which contained ample beta glucan. After just 5 weeks, both sexes had a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL, and the group that received the most beta glucan had the best results. As you can see, it is amazing that adding something this simple could have such positive effects.

Cancer is another big problem in the modern world where beta glucan has proven to be beneficial. A study in Japan showed that Lentinan, which is beta glucan derived from mushrooms, had anti-tumor properties. In addition, a study showed that mice with tumors had a rapid decrease in tumor cells as well when supplemented with beta glucan. Thus, it is not surprising that for many years beta glucan has been used for immune system stimulation in Japan.

Other health benefits

In a study done with bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment, upper respiratory infections were no match for beta glucan as well. This is why it also helps with the common cold, as evidenced by a study done with firefighters who were constantly fighting respiratory problems due to their exposure to smoke.

Finally, a Belgian study showed that ETEC, which causes traveler's diarrhea, was dramatically improved when the subjects were given beta glucan.

Bodybuilding

When anabolic steroids are used, it is universal that heart strain will occur. This manifests itself with a rise in bad cholesterol and a drop in good cholesterol. Luckily, beta glucan will help balance cholesterol levels, so it is a must addition to your supplemental stack on cycle.

Moreover, you can't workout if you are sick. Beta glucan will help keep you healthy because gym goers are typically exposed to more viruses and bacteria, which makes them susceptible to sickness. To counteract this it is important to keep your immune system from being stressed out.

Side effects

Beta glucan does not have side effects when used properly.

Dosage

Beta glucan should be supplemented depending on one's diet and deficiency. If you eat foods with it already, then a simple supplement dose of 20-40 milligrams (mgs) per day is enough as an insurance. I recommend using psyllium husk daily along with your beta glucan supplement.

Where to find

N2guard contains 30mg's of beta glucan, plus dozens of additional ingredients, to make it one of the most potent support supplement on the market.

Forums

Want to read about Beta Glucan on our forums? Find out what 100,000 members think....

• Beta Glucan for helping your immune system.
• Barley vs oats
• What to take for liver support between: Livatrex and N2guard
• Steroid Liver support

References

• Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system
• Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials
• Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition
• Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of β-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future
• The effects of β-glucans on cancer metastasis
• Stimulatory Effect of β-glucans on Immune Cells