Can beta glucan boost immunity and help treat cancer?

What is beta glucan?

Beta glucans are sugar compounds that are normally found in bacteria, yeasts, fungi, algae and some plants such as oats and barley. They are a source of soluble fiber, and their possible use in medicine has been investigated for a long time. Some authors believe that they can reduce high cholesterol and have a positive effect on some skin changes, such as eczema and various types of wounds. The belief that taking beta glucan enhances the effect of the immune system is widespread in the population, so it is often used by oncology patients.

Potential benefits of beta glucan:

· Stimulating the immune system to fight bacterial infections

· Increasing the activity of so-called NK (natural killer) cells, which are part of the immune system that, among other things, recognizes and attacks tumor cells

· They can serve as prebiotics, because they are food for healthy bacteria in the digestive system

How does beta glucan work?

It is absorbed in the small intestine where it is broken down and then enters the bloodstream. According to research conducted so far, there is no evidence that beta glucan could have a direct effect on tumor cells. However, some researchers believe that by stimulating the immune system, a positive effect could be achieved indirectly on the malignant disease itself. It is believed that, among other things, it can stimulate immune cells to secrete cytokines, which regulate the strength of the immune response to foreign substances.

Beta glucan research in cancer patients

Although several studies have been conducted on the question of whether beta glucan can have a positive effect on patients with malignant diseases, the overall results are still inconclusive. Namely, different studies have shown mixed results, so that some studies have confirmed a positive effect, and some have not found a benefit from the use of beta glucan. A significant part of the studies that have shown a positive effect, according to the assessment of independent observers, were not conducted in accordance with the rules of clinical trials, and therefore their results should be taken with great reserve and caution. There is not even a definitive conclusion about the effect on the immune system, although sellers of commercial products containing beta glucan undoubtedly and without reservation claim that it "boosts immunity". Therefore, no consensus has been reached on the above to date and further research is needed.

Foods that contain beta glucan

As a rule, people who want to use beta glucan are recommended to take it as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and not in the form of commercial products. However, for now, such commercial products are considered safe.

Foods that can be consumed:

· Oats, barley, wheat and rye

· Algae

· Brewer's and baker's yeast

· Reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms

Barley and oats have the highest beta glucan content per serving, so one cup of cooked barley contains an average of about 2.5 grams of beta glucan, while a cup of oats has about 2 grams.

Potential side effects

Taking beta glucan as part of a balanced diet is safe, but excessive doses as in the composition of some commercially available products carry the risk of developing side effects.

Some of the possible side effects when used orally (oral):

· Diarrhea

· Nausea

· Vomiting

Some of the possible side effects when used intravenously:

· Back and joint pain

· Fever and chills

· Increased urination

· Diarrhea

· Changes in blood pressure

· Skin rash

· Swollen lymph nodes

Although beta-glucan supplements are generally considered relatively safe, they are not safe for everyone. They can worsen digestive problems and side effects of standard oncology treatment and interact with the effects of some non-oncology drugs. If you are considering using beta-glucan in your diet during treatment for a malignant disease, we definitely recommend consulting with an oncologist before starting to take such products.

And finally.. conclusion

By reviewing all the relevant data, we can repeat what was said earlier – we do not have enough reliable data from large clinical trials on humans to unequivocally confirm that regular consumption of beta-glucan can boost the immunity of oncology patients. There is even less relevant evidence to show that taking beta glucan can help treat cancer. Given some interesting preclinical results, further research is needed to answer these and many other questions. Be sure to inform your oncologist about any dietary supplements you are taking, to avoid negative interactions with standard oncology therapy. In case you decide to take beta glucan, we recommend consuming it through food rather than using commercial products, to reduce the risk of side effects.

Continue reading: All the powers of vitamin D: from autoimmune to malignant diseases

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