Beta-glucans: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Family or group:
Phytochemicals
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Coronary heart disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that daily consumption of 3 g of beta-glucans significantly reduces LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. According to EFSA, a cause-and-effect relationship has been established between the consumption of oat beta-glucans and the reduction of blood LDL cholesterol concentrations, which contributes to lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. 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, thereby decreasing circulating LDL concentrations. The beneficial effect is observed with a daily intake of at least 3 g of oat beta-glucans, distributed across meals as part of a balanced diet. This dose is recognized as achievable in a normal, targeted diet for adults seeking to reduce their cholesterol.
Posologie
Oral administration
3 g
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
The meta-analysis examining the impact of oat beta-glucans on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic adults shows significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with no significant effect on triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. The 13 randomized trials included, totaling 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 effectiveness of beta-glucans for the management of dyslipidemia.
Posologie
Oral
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 by approximately 65% the risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections 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 combination 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
Oral administration
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 as an adjunct to anticancer therapies.
Hypolipidemic
Beta-glucans reduce LDL cholesterol levels thanks to their ability to form a viscous gel in the intestine. This gel traps bile acids and increases their excretion, forcing the liver to use more cholesterol to synthesize new bile acids. This thereby lowers circulating cholesterol levels, as demonstrated in clinical studies.
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Beta-glucans, primarily derived from yeast and fungi, modulate the immune system by activating macrophages and monocytes, thereby 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
Safe 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.
