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May 18th, 2020
By Jimmy Fu
With the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, dietary supplements with function of immunity-enhancing have reported a big increase in demand worldwide. As one of the most studied ingredients for immunity support, yeast beta-glucan is superstar nowadays in dietary supplements industry.
Beta-glucans can be widely found in nature, such as cereals, fungi, bacteria, etc. , all of which have different structures. Is beta-glucan from yeast the best source for immune support among those different types of sources?
Comparison of Yeast beta-glucan and other beta-glucans
Beta-glucans comprise a very diverse group of polysaccharides, but only very few has immune modulatory properties. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is the most studied beta-glucan and by far the best documented in terms of immune stimulatory efficacy, mode of action and safety, and is hence considered superior to beta-glucans from other sources. (see fig.1 )
Fig. 1 Comparing of structures and functions of different beta-glucan sources
Beta-Glucans derived from different sources have differences in their structures. The content of β-1, 3 - glucan is a key factor in its role. The number and length of branched chain is the key to the specific binding of the immune cells of macrophages. These structural differences have large influence on the activity of the beta-glucan (see table 1). Beta-glucans derived from yeast possess the most potent immune-boosting activity[1].
Beta-glucan Type | Mechanism of Benefit |
Bacterial Source | Single β-1, 3 - glucan cannot effectively bind to receptors on immune cells. |
Grain Source | Oat beta-glucan is a linear polysaccharide which is connected by D-glucose with beta-1,4 and beta-1,3 glycosidic bond, the rough ratio of these two glycosidic bond is about 7:3. Beta-1,4-glucan cannot enhance the immune activity, and without β-1, 6 branch. |
Mushroom Source | Mushrooms beta-glucans have short beta-(1,6)-linked branches and beta-(1,3) backbone. The degree of branching is high(too many branches), the branch is short. |
Yeast Source | Yeast beta-glucan is connected by D-glucose, with beta-1,3 glycosidic bond as the main chain, and beta-1,6 glycosidic bond as the branched chain(see fig 2). Suitable length of branched chain and single β-1, 3- glucan backbone can effect in the enhancing immune activity as best. [2] |
Table 1 Mechanism of benefits of different beta-glucan sources
Fig. 2 Molecular structure of yeast beta-glucan
Mechanism of immunity-enhancing by yeast beta-glucan
Fig. 3 Mechanism of immune support of yeast beta-glucan
Beta-glucans are captured by the macrophages via the Dectin-1 receptor with or without TLR-2/6. The large beta-glucan molecules are then internalized and fragmented into smaller sized beta-glucan fragments within the macrophages, then they are carried to the marrow and endothelial reticular system and subsequently released. These small beta-glucan fragments are eventually taken up by the circulating granulocytes, monocytes or macrophages via the complement receptor (CR)-3. The immune response will then be turned on, one of the actions is the phagocytosis of the monoclonal antibody tagged tumor cells[3].
Application Guide for Immunity Enhancing
Dosage: Yeast beta-glucan, 250 - 500 mg daily for immune system.
Source: Make sure to take beta-glucan from yeast, with the best proven immunity-enhancing efficacy comparing to other beta-glucan sources.
Effect: Immunity-enhancing and preventing acute respiratory infections. Most people take immune boosters for protection against colds and flu and other upper respiratory infections, and yeast beta-glucan has been demonstrated to be an effective ingredient.
Reference
[1] Dalia Akramienė, et al. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas) 2007; 43(8):597-606.
[2] Graubaum HJ, et al. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 3, 738-746.
[3] Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan, et al. The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2009, 2:25.
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