Beta glucan information
oat beta-glucan, research beta-glucam and immune system

Beta glucan is a naturally derived polysaccharide which has been studied for its anti-tumor and immuno-stimulating properties.

Source Naturals Beta Glucan

Beta Glucan is a unique polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules extracted and purified from the cell wall of common baker's yeast  Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  Beta glucan is used to maintain or stimulate the effectiveness of the immune system.  Animal  and human cell culture studies have shown that beta glucan can stimulate several aspects of immune function, such as phagocytosis and interleukin production.  Source Naturals Beta Glucan uses a purification process that removes the manoproteins and yeast residues that may reduce the effectiveness of beta glucan.

Beta glucan and immune system
The carbohydrate polymers known as beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system - stimulating anti-tumor and antimicrobial activity, for example - by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them. Although beta-glucans are known to bind to receptors, such as complement receptor 3, there is evidence that another beta-glucan receptor is present on macrophages.

Beta-glucan, a natural fiber, reduces cholesterol
Scientists at the University of Minnesota, Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, in Minneapolis, MN, did a 10-week controlled study to determine the benefits of beta glucan for cholesterol management. Beta-glucan extract at 3 and 5 g doses was given two times a day with meals in the form of a ready-to-eat cereal and a reduced-calorie fruit juice beverage. After 6 weeks of treatment, the mean LDL- Cholesterol levels fell by about 15 % in 5 gram group and 9 % in the 3 g group. Similar results were observed for total cholesterol. HDL-Cholesterol levels were unchanged by treatment.
   Here is one example of a cheap and safe alternative to cholesterol lowering drugs. Another great fiber worth mentioning is psyllium.

Beta Glucan, 250 mg., 60 Tablets Source Naturals

Conditions where Beta Glucan may be effective
Beta glucan may be helpful in diabetes, high blood pressure, and perhaps breast cancer.

Beta glucan and breast cancer
Beta glucan induces proliferation and activation of monocytes in peripheral blood of patients with advanced breast cancer.
Int Immunopharmacol. 2007 January. Demir G, Klein HO, Mandel-Molinas N, Tuzuner N. Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Medical Oncology Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
In human studies it has been shown that beta glucan can influence the immune system and can increase the efficacy of the biological therapies in cancer patients. In this prospective clinical trial we assessed in vivo effects of short term oral beta glucan administration on peripheral blood monocytes and their expression of activation markers in patients with advanced breast cancer. 23 female patients with advanced breast cancer were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were drawn on day zero and patients started receiving oral 1-3, 1-6, D-beta glucan daily. Oral beta glucan administration seems to stimulate proliferation and activation of peripheral blood monocytes in vivo in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Beta-Glucan and high blood pressure
Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress in men and women with elevated blood pressure.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Dec 6; Radiant Research, Chicago, IL, USA, Provident Clinical Research, Bloomington, IN, USA.
To assess the effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate homeostasis and biomarkers of oxidative stress. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Ninety-seven men and women with resting systolic blood pressure 130-179 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure 85-109 mm Hg were randomly assigned to consume foods containing oat beta-glucan or control foods for 12 weeks. Resting blood pressures, insulin and glucose values before and after standard breakfast meals, and four biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured before and at the end of the treatment period. Changes from baseline to week 12 in mean peak insulin and incremental area under the insulin curve differed significantly between groups, with the beta-glucan group showing declines and the control group remaining essentially unchanged. Blood pressure responses were not significantly different between groups overall. However, in subjects with body mass index above the median (31.5 kg/m(2)), both systolic (8.3 mm Hg) and diastolic (3.9 mm Hg) blood pressures were lowered in the beta-glucan group compared to controls. No significant differences in biomarkers of oxidative stress were observed between treatments. The results of the present trial suggest beneficial effects of foods containing beta-glucan from oats on carbohydrate metabolism, and on blood pressure in obese subjects. Funding for this study was provided by the Quaker Oats Company.

Beta glucan and diabetes
The addition of beta-glucan predictably reduces the Glycemic Index. In a 50 g carbohydrate portion each gram of beta-glucan reduces the GI by 4 units, making it a useful functional food component for reducing postprandial glycemia.

Sweeteners and beta-glucans improve metabolic and anthropometrics variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients.
Reyna NY. University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Am J Ther. 2003 Nov-Dec;10(6):438-43.
The introduction of fat and carbohydrates replacers has been a revolutionary advance in treating obesity and diabetes mellitus. Since these materials have shown to have beneficial effects on the metabolic profiles of diabetic patients, they should be useful in designing specific foods for patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To compare metabolic and anthropometric improvements elicited by a diet based on the American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations with a modified, low-energy diet incorporating fat replacers and non-sucrose sweeteners. DESIGN: A total of 16 male, well controlled type 2 diabetes patients were divided into two groups of eight; one group received the diet based on the American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations, and the other was fed a modified, low-calorie diet containing a fat replacer (beta-glucans derived from oats) and the sweeteners, sucralose and fructose. Both groups were maintained on their respective diets for 4 weeks. All patients performed daily aerobic exercise consisting of walking for 60 minutes. Body weight, body mass index, basal glycemia, hemoglobin HbA1C, and lipid profile were determined in each patient before starting the diets and after 4 weeks of dietary intervention. RESULTS: Both diets produced significant improvements in weight, body mass index, lipid profile, basal glucose, and HbA1C. However, the experimental diet was superior to the American Diabetic Association's diet in improving metabolic and anthropometric profile: greater increase in HDL cholesterol and larger decreases in HbA1C, weight, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: A diet incorporating a beta-glucans and non-sucrose sweeteners produced a greater improvement in metabolic and anthropometric variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients when compared with a diet based on American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations. hypocholesterolemic properties of oat beta-glucan.

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beta glucan research