The first supplement containing a beta-glucan that is so effective at strengthening the immune system it has been stockpiled by the Pentagon in case of biological attack, has been launched in Europe.The active ingredient in Glucasan+ from Vitalize Health Products is beta-glucan 1-3, 1-6: a polysaccharide and immuno-modulator derived from the cell wall of baker's yeast. This stimulates the innate immune system, which is the body's first line of defence against invasion by bacteria and viruses, claimed Dr Paul Clayton, president of the food and health section of The Royal Society of Medicine and scientific director of the Szent-Györgyi Institute in Budapest.
1-3, 1-6 is not the same as oat beta-glucan, which many manufacturers are promoting on a cholesterol reduction platform, said Clayton. "That has a different molecular structure [1-3, 1-4]."
We used to get 1-3, 1-6 in our diets from beer and bread, but modern production processes had caused levels to plummet, he claimed.
Intensive use of fungicides in agriculture had also reduced yeast levels in food, he said. "This may go a long way to explaining why our innate immune systems have become so vulnerable and ineffective. If a flu pandemic struck now, many of us would be uniquely ill-equipped to cope."
Beta-glucan 1-3, 1-6 is also found in aloe vera, echinacea and shiitake mushrooms. However, baker's yeast was the cheapest and most consistent source, said Clayton.
"All yeast contains beta-glucans; however, research suggests that different strains of yeast have slightly different beta glucans, and the hunt is on to find the most effective immunopriming strains."
As for food applications, an auction was currently in progress with three major multinationals bidding for exclusivity rights to include beta-glucans in their food products, he claimed.
Vitalize md Barclay Lamont added: "We see a specific category in the dietary supplements market emerging with more and more consumers focused on immune support and performance."