How does beta-glucan help boost immunity?

Beta glucan is a heterogeneous polysaccharide of the polymer glucose complex. Accordingly, the activity of beta glucan depends on the molecular structure, size, branching frequency, structural modification, conformation and solubility. Among beta glucans, the biologically active beta glucans are usually of high molecular weight.
For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used mushrooms for healing and currently, interest is focused on beta glucan which is the structural chemical component in the mushroom cell wall. Therefore, beta glucan is the main reason why mushrooms are used in cosmetics, as a food additive or as medicine to treat many different diseases.

In the field of immunology, beta glucan is commonly known as a biological response modifier, now recognized as an anti-tumor and anti-infective drug. This is thanks to beta glucan which has been shown to protect the body against infection by bacteria, viruses and pathogenic microorganisms.
In addition, beta glucan also prevents cancer or advanced cancer as well as has an anti-tumor synergistic effect with monoclonal antibodies and cancer chemotherapy. In addition, beta glucan promotes antibody-dependent cytotoxicity through a biological pathway involving carcinogens. However, studies suggest that beta glucan may not directly affect cancer cells or infectious microorganisms; rather, beta glucan is biologically active through the activation of the immune system. host.
Thus, over the years, the effect of beta glucan on immune cells has been well established. In particular, macrophages and dendritic cells are considered to be major target cells of β-glucans, although neutrophils, B cells, T cells and natural killer cells are also known to be active metabolized by β-glucan. The immunomodulatory activity of beta glucan is commonly studied in relation to macrophage activation. Thereby, beta glucan enhances the cytotoxic and inflammatory cells of macrophages, enhances the phenotype and promotes complete function of dendritic cells.
Furthermore, a stimulatory effect of beta glucan on T lymphocytes has also been reported. This is an agent that enhances the functions of virus-specific T cells when creating active immunity generated by the vaccine, acting as an adjuvant to the vaccine. In addition, beta glucan enhances T-cell function in cancer patients.

Doctors and nutritionists often recommend that people increase their beta glucans through their daily diet rather than taking supplements. However, the beta glucan supplements that are available are generally considered safe and well-tolerated if dietary standards are difficult to follow.
Accordingly, foods containing beta glucan include:
Oats, barley, wheat, rye and sorghum Seaweed Reishi Brewers and Bakers' yeast, shiitake and maitake mushrooms Of these, barley and oats have the highest amounts of beta glucan per standard adult serving. Specifically, one cup of cooked barley provides 2.5 grams of beta glucan, while one cup of oatmeal has 2 grams.
Thus, the knowledge and skill in formulating a regular beta glucan-rich food combination diet is a good choice for achieving its potential health benefits.

Consuming the recommended amount of beta glucan through dietary choices is unlikely to cause side effects. However, synthetic beta glucan supplementation can carry potential side effects and risks, such as causing diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
On the other hand, when beta glucan is prescribed by intravenous infusion, patients may experience the following side effects:
Back pain and joint pain Fever and chills Frequent urination Diarrhea Changes blood pressure Dermatitis Swollen lymph nodes Therefore, although beta glucan supplements have been documented for many health benefits and may be safe to take, they may not be safe for all. everyone. These products may worsen the gastrointestinal side effects of cancer treatment and interfere with certain other medications.
Accordingly, if you want to take beta glucan or use any kind of complementary therapy, you should talk to your oncologist first to make sure that you are fit to use these products.
In summary, betaglucan has been continuously studied for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting the multifaceted role this molecule plays. However, the source of beta glucan from natural ingredients is always recommended, while synthetic products need more time to be studied for safety to help the body not only fight the common cold. and respiratory infections but also more serious diseases, including cancer.