Sources of Beta Glucan

Sources of Beta Glucan:
A glucan, is a glucan, is a glucan. Or, Maybe not. by A.J. Lanigan

There is a lot of confusion about beta glucans in the dietary supplement market. Which type is best? What is the correct dosage? What determines purity? Although there is a tremendous amount of scientific research supporting the ability of beta glucans to support healthy immune function, not all beta glucans are alike.

There are differences in molecular structure that affect the biological activity. Some products containing beta glucan are supported by credible research, others are not. Levels of purity, which impacts efficacy and perhaps safety, varies greatly among products.

Beta glucans are homologous polysaccharides that enhances the innate immune system and provide broad protection against a wide range of pathogenic challenges.

There's an extensive amount of research to support this finding. Numerous preclinical studies and more than 60 human clinical studies found in over 800 papers show different improvements in disease models.

A number of compounds share the name "beta glucan" even though they are in fact very different.

Beta glucan can come from yeast, medicinal mushrooms and cereals, such as oats and barley.

Beta glucans have different molecular structures that in turn impact biological activity in the body.

Studies show that yeast beta glucan is superior for supporting and enhancing immune function. Yeast cell walls contain 5 to 10 times the beta glucan contents as compared to medicinal mushrooms, resulting in a product with more active ingredient.

To understand yeast beta glucans and their biological activity, it's important to know where they come from and how they are manufactured.

Outside of the baker's yeast cell is a fibrillar mannoprotein layer that masks and presents a barrier to exposure of the beta 1,3 glucan to the external environment. Beneath the mannoprotein layer are layers of beta glucan and beta glucan chitin, which is outside the plasma membrane. It's this beta glucan layer that actually provides the shape and structural rigidity of the yeast cell. The beta glucan in yeast is analogous to cellulose in a tree. Both provide structural support.

There are a number of products containing beta glucan on the market today. Which is best? What should customers look for?
Here are some things to consider:
1) Look for products that are backed by credible science.
2) Loof for products that are manufactured by those who insist on a certificate of analysis, which clearly shows the actual potency and purity of the product. Evidence of levels of biological activity remove all doubt as to which compound can and will do the job.
3) Patents that prove the product is the genuine article, not a knock-off product.

So what is the Best Beta Glucan for your immune system?
It is Transfer Point Beta-1,3D Glucan from baker's yeast that has the highest purity of carbohydrates and highest concentration of the 1,3 linkage with 1,6 side linkage.

Study Shows Transfer Point's Beta-1,3D Glucan Superior Brand

For more than forty years, well documented research has shown that Beta-1,3D Glucan is a safe and beneficial immune modulator. Used in many commercial dietary supplement products, Beta Glucan is a key ingredient that manufacturers and formulators rely upon. But as it is known, not all products are the same or deliver on their promises. Just published research from the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association shows a side-by-side comparison of commercially available glucans. Research conducted at the University of Louisville by Drs. Vaclav Vetvicka and Jana Vetvickova provided significant insights on Beta Glucan quality that should clear up much of the confusion about glucans and immune supplements in general. Bottom line - Transfer Point's Beta Glucan product came out among the best. The findings were published in JANA Volume 10, Number 2, 2007.

The study looked at numerous concentrations and routes of administration - including oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous applications. With more than one hundred samples from the United States alone, products tested also came from Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan. Soluble, insoluble, grain, mushroom, seaweed and yeast were among the groups compared.

The final analysis revealed that Glucan #300, purchased from Transfer Point, Inc. of Columbia, S.C. showed not only a broad range of action, but in all areas tested (except antibody formation, where it was #2) was the biologically most relevant immunomodulator.

A.J. Lanigan, the innovator of Transfer Point's product states: "We have confirmation from esteemed academic and scientific institutions like the University of Louisville and top Beta Glucan researchers like Drs. Vaclav Vetvicka and Jana Vetvickova that our products meet the highest quality standards and provide the benefits they promise. The consumer can know with confidence we offer one of the most biologically active ingredients for the immune system in a dietary supplement product."

A Strong Immune System is the First Line of Defense

A strong immune system is the first line of defense against the daily assaults of stress, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins.

A key to defending our body is making sure our immune system is strong and able to handle what comes it's way. There are supplements on the market that claim to do amazing things, but what you want is something that works. Many dietary supplements include nutrients that are based more on marketing buzz than they are on hard science. And even when they are based on science, many formulas don't include enough of the active nutrient to make a difference. You need a supplement that is backed by solid science - not anecdotal evidence, old wives tales, or flawed research.

We have found that Transfer Point's Beta Glucan has the science and research behind it's product, every single batch of Beta Glucan that Transfer Point produces is tested for purity and quality. Each batch is tested by a widely respected, independent, third party laboratory, and the certificate of analysis is printed on every bottle.

Transfer Point's Beta-1,3D Glucan is derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and contains over 93% pure Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan carbohydrate complex, with low fat and protein content. Transfer Point's Beta Glucan has been subjected to rigorous studies at numerous universities (Auburn University, Brown University, Cornell University, University of Louisville, University of Massachusetts, University of Minnesota) and has been scientifically proven to maintain and support a healthy immune response. On the other hand, glucans derived from barley, oats, or other grains have been shown to be ineffective as an immune modulator.

The immune-enhancing properties of yeast cell walls were reported in 1939, but it wasn't until the 1960's that researchers identified Beta 1, 3D glucan as the key. Since then, scientists at some of the world's pre-eminent universities and research institutions have conducted more than 800 Beta 1, 3D glucan studies in animals and humans. This research confirms that Beta 1, 3D glucan produces multiple broadscale effects that strengthen the vitality of the immune system.

Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka from the University of Louisville said, "For over 40 years, beta glucans have been thoroughly tested on everything from earthworms to human beings...even plants."

A.J. Lanigan, Manufacturer and Formulator of Transfer Point's Beta Glucan comments, "Nothing can take the place of a healthy immune system. When it functions properly, the body has all the ammunition it needs to ward off disease and combat illness."

Maintaining one's health is critical in periods of stress. The health conscious consumer will know the value of supporting their immune system during these times.