Beta Glucan
A pedia pulmonologist from Cebu City, Dr Arnold Lim, came to Bohol and shared with us his knowledge on Beta Glucans and its beneficial effect to our health.
What are Beta Glucans? These are dietary fibers or polysaccharides composed of D- glucose monomers linked by 1,3; 1,4; and 1,6 linked Beta glycosidic bonds.
There are 4 types of beta glucans:
1. Bacterial (Curdian)
2. Cereal ( oats/ barley)
3. Fungal mushroom
4. Yeast – this is the source with the most beneficial effect to our health
– Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Dr Lim showed different studies and researches that proved the beneficial effects of B glucan and these are:
* it can help prevent an increase in the severity of an illness through disease
tolerance
* it has an ability to reduce negative impact of infection or inflammation on
the host health without necessarily reducing pathogen loads
* it prevents immunopathology regulating inflammation
* it supports tissue repair because it maintains tissue integrity and function
Furthermore, it was mentioned by the resource person that Beta glucan reduces the incidence, duration and severity of URTI and common infectious diseases. It helps improve immunosuppression caused by influenza infection and helps strengthen physical endurance.
Beta glucan combined with Vitamin C and Zinc has a collective antioxidant protection.
They showed synergy in the improvement of the immune response based on the stimulation of both the humoral and cellular immune reactions.
With Beta glucan which has a trained immunity and primes innate immune cells for faster response plus the Vitamin C with antioxidant defense and which also supports epithelial barrier integrity; and the Zinc that ensures proper immune cell maturation and function, our health will emerge strong and ready to fight against infections.