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Beta-glucan is a fiber-type polysaccharide (sugar compount) that
comes from the cellular wall of yeast, oat and barley fiber, and
many edible mushrooms, such as maitake.
Beta-glucan is
primarily used to enhance the immune system and to lower cholesterol
levels. Research beta-glucan is very effective at activating white
blood cells known as macrophages and neutrophils, both of which
provide the immune system’s first lines of defense against foreign
material in the body. A beta-glucan-activated macrophage or
neutrophil can recognize and kill tumor cells, remove cellular
debris resulting from oxidative damage, speed up recovery of damaged
tissue, and further activate other components of the immune system.
Although promising, there no concrete evidence that beta-glucan as
an oral supplement can definitely enhance immune function in
humans.
Beta-glucan is key component of the
cholesterol-lowering effect of oat bran. As with other soluble-fiber
components, the binding of cholesterol by beta-glucan and the
resulting elimination of these molecules in the feces is very
helpful for reducing blood cholesterol.
By postponing initial
digestion, beta-glucan is possibly helpful in reducing the elevation
of "post-meal" in blood sugar levels and quite possibly able to
increase tissue sensitivity to insulin. These effects indicate
possible benefit in blood sugar control in people with
diabetes.
Dosage Recommendations
The
amount of beta-glucan prescribed in clinical trials has ranged from
2,900 to 15,000 mg per day for lower cholesterol levels. For
boosting immune function, an amount is not
known.
Manufacturers of beta-glucan products recommend
between 50 and 1,000 mg daily (to be taken on an empty stomach),
although some products contain as much as 500 mg per
capsule.
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