Beta-Glucans: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Phytosubstances
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Coronary diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have proven that the daily consumption of 3 g of beta-glucans significantly reduces LDL cholesterol, thus lowering the risk of coronary diseases. According to EFSA, a cause-effect relationship is established between oat beta-glucan consumption and the reduction of blood LDL cholesterol concentrations, contributing to the decrease in coronary disease risk. These non-digestible soluble fibers, naturally present in oat bran and other preparations, increase intestinal viscosity, reduce bile acid reabsorption, and promote their synthesis from cholesterol, thus decreasing circulating LDL concentrations. The beneficial effect is observed with a daily intake of at least 3 g of oat beta-glucans, spread across multiple meals as part of a balanced diet. This dose is recognized as achievable within a normal and targeted diet for adults seeking to reduce their cholesterol.
Posologie
Orally
3 g
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
The meta-analysis examining the impact of oat beta-glucans on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic adults reveals significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, without a significant impact on triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. The 13 randomized trials included, with a total of 927 participants, studied daily doses ranging from 1.5 g to 6 g over periods of 3 to 8 weeks. A minimum dose of 3 g per day is necessary for tangible effects on LDL and total cholesterol. This analysis confirms the efficacy of beta-glucans for managing dyslipidemias.
Posologie
Orally
1.5 - 6 g
Respiratory infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Beta-glucans have shown promising results in the prevention of respiratory infections. A meta-analysis reveals that yeast-derived beta-glucans reduce the risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections by approximately 65% in healthy individuals, with doses ranging from 35 to 900 mg/day over 4 to 26 weeks. In children aged 2 to 6 years with recurrent respiratory infections, a combined product containing beta-glucans, zinc, elderberry extract, and vitamin D3 (Stimunex gocce) did not reduce upper respiratory tract infections during treatment but decreased their frequency by 44% four months after stopping, with a weight-adjusted dosage.
Posologie
Orally
35 - 900 mg
Primary care experience on Stimunex® gocce in children with recurrent respiratory infections: a real-world study during the COVID-19 pandemic era
Properties
Anticancer
Beta-glucans interact directly with immune cell receptors, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. They activate these cells by stimulating cytokine production, enhancing the immune response against tumor cells. Clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in tumor progression in patients treated with beta-glucans in addition to anti-cancer therapies.
Hypolipidemic
Beta-glucans reduce LDL cholesterol levels due to their ability to form a viscous gel in the intestine. This gel traps bile acids and increases their excretion by forcing the liver to use more cholesterol to synthesize new ones. This way, circulating cholesterol levels are reduced, as demonstrated in clinical studies.
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Beta-glucans, mainly derived from yeast and mushrooms, modulate the immune system by activating macrophages and monocytes, thus stimulating the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). A clinical study shows that yeast beta-glucan supplementation for six weeks slightly reduces IL-6 levels while increasing IL-10 levels in overweight adults, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. In atopic children with recurrent respiratory infections, mushroom-derived beta-glucans stabilize IgE levels.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 500 mg
500 mg/day for respiratory infections, 3 g/day to lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular health (EFSA). Athletes: 250-500 mg/day for post-exercise immune support.
Child:
1 drop/kg/day (Stimunex gocce) for 1 month, followed by 15 days per month for 3 months, for respiratory infections.
