Immune Activator

Beta-glucans are a group of complex carbohydrates called polysaccharide consisting of glucose units found in cell walls of cereal grains (barley, oats, rye and wheat), in certain types of mushrooms (reishi, shiitake, maitake), yeasts, seaweed and algae. Although all sources share a common beta-1,3-glucan backbone, each type of beta-glucan has specific links to the glucose units resulting in structural differences and leading to a variety of functions and potential health benefits. For instance, while oat-derived beta-glucans (beta-1,4) may act as dietary fibers that improve health parameters linked to metabolic condition, yeast-derived beta-glucans (beta-1,6) according to a different chemical structure, may act as immunomodulators supporting the immune system.

There are special requirements for the effectiveness of the beta-glucan fragments from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which have also been verified in clinical trials:

■ Origin: the strongest immune-stimulating effect has been demonstrated with beta-glucans from baker's yeast.

■ Degree of purity: the better the beta-glucans have been isolated, that is, cleaned of cell constituents of the yeast or fats, the greater the degree of effectiveness (purity >90% obtained by a thirteen-step process).

■ Size of the fragments: the smaller the isolated fragments are (at least 80% <10 microns) the better they can dock onto the receptors and activate the defense cells.

Due to its highly purified, micronized beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and its reported bioavailability, the baker's yeast selected for Immune Activator has confirmed effectiveness at a low dosage of 20 mg a day.

Our immune system is based on complex mechanisms and represents the body's own defense system. It is of great importance for the resilience and general health of human beings. When it comes to supporting the immune system, one of the best beta-glucan sources known for its important stimulating role is baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). It has been demonstrated that isolated beta-glucans from the cell wall of baker's yeast significantly contribute to the success of our immune system in countering infections.

Several clinical prospective studies have demonstrated that healthy individuals with recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract (URT) supplemented daily with beta-glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) during a period between 3 and 6 months experienced a reduction in the incidence of colds or flu-like episodes, compared with those receiving placebo (a substance designed to have no therapeutic effect).|1|$Moyad M.A., et al. (2010). J Altern. Complement. Med., 16(2): 213-218.$,|2|$Graubaum H.J., et al. (2012). Food Nutr. Sci., 3, 738-746.$,|3|$Auinger A., et al. (2013). Ann. Transl. Med., 3(2): 22.$

Furthermore in two studies, beta-glucan daily intake was reported to notably reduce common cold symptoms such as soar throat, cough, runny nose|2|$Graubaum H.J., et al. (2012). Food Nutr. Sci., 3, 738-746.$, less work days missed and an improvement of overall quality of life, compared to placebo.|4|$Feldman S., et al. (2009). J Appl. Res., 9(1&2): 30-42.$  These results, fewer URT episodes and some improvement of symptoms, reveal the potential benefit of receiving beta-glucans to prevent the onset of bacterial and viral infections, and to support the immune system once infected.

1 Moyad M.A., et al. (2010). Immunogenic yeast-based fermentate for cold-flu-like symptoms in nonvaccinated individuals. J Altern. Complement. Med., 16(2): 213-218.

2 Graubaum H.J., et al. (2012). A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled nutritional study using an insoluble yeast beta-glucan to improve the immune defense system. Food Nutr. Sci., 3, 738-746.

3 Auinger A., et al. (2013). Yeast 13-16 beta-glucan helps to maintain the body's defence against pathogens: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects. Ann. Transl. Med., 3(2): 22.

4 Feldman S., et al. (2009). Randomized Phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP for immune support during cold and flu season. J Appl. Res., 9(1&2): 30-42.