The story of Beta glucan begins with the study of Zymosan, a drug used throughout Europe. Zymosan, an immune stimulator, is composed of a crude mixture of yeast cell wall materials including proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides synthesized into a drug, which unfortunately has many negative side effects in patients.

Louis Pillemer, Ph.D., and his colleagues first studied the drug Zymosan in the 1940s and discovered Zymosan was able to nonspecifically potentiate and modulate the immune system. Zymosan activated the immune response regardless of the type of invader or pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasite and tumors. This is significant, helping the body’s immune system respond to invaders is important to fight disease.

Beta-1,3-Glucan is primarily cultured extract of Baker’s Yeast cell wall. It is used as an immunostimulant. Beta glucans are sugar molecules (polysaccharides). They are found bound together as a sugar/protein complex. Certain plants and microorganisms are naturally high in this polysaccharide compound. The richest concentrated source is baker’s yeast cell walls.

It is present in lesser amounts in mushroom extracts and Lentinen, Barley, Oat, etc. Sodium alginate is also an excellent source, but the high sodium content is a major drawback in the processing for supplemental use. An expensive research extract called Zymosan has been used for doing research for over 45 years. Much of the research has been in combining it with conventional approaches, such as chemotherapy, but it has been found to work well on its own.

What glucans seem to do is to stimulate/irritate your white blood cells called Macrophages into action. There is actually Beta-1,3-Glucan receptors displayed by immune cells that the beta glucan fits right into like a lock and key and switches on or activates the macrophage to do its job which is clean up. Increased macrophage activity triggers a whole cascade of immune events, which basically boost immune response, which improves Natural Resistance to infections. It also stimulates the production of immune cells.

If you are looking to stimulate your immune system, beta glucan is the right product for you. Beta glucan is available in capsule, tablet, and powder forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray, Source Naturals, and Natures Plus to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Beta glucan is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Facts About Vitamins

Comments are closed