IMMUNITION™ Report©

Volume II No. 4

Questions and Answers on Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan -

An Interview with Frank Jordan, Beta Glucan Expert and U.S. Patent Co-Inventor in Beta Glucan Research

Q: What is Beta glucan?

A: Beta glucan is a safe and very potent biological response modifier (BRM) that nutritionally activates the immune response through the Macrophage immune cells to yield various therapeutic effects. In its most effective form, Beta glucan is extracted from the yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) of Baker’s yeast as Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan, as a purified isolate with harmful yeast proteins removed and a process that prevents reaggregation, or clumping after exposure to water in the digestive sequence. More than 60 years of scientific research on yeast derived Beta glucan confirms this simple composition is a potent and safe immuno-potentiator. Published research reported in the peer-reviewed "Letters in Applied Microbiology" in the October 2002 issue by Dr. Kenneth W. Hunter, Jr. et al confirms microparticulate (small particle), nonaggregated Beta glucan is a superior immune potentiation isolate.

The process of extraction, including particle size reduction and protection to prevent reaggregation, has a direct bearing on the degree of immune potentiation of any particular Beta glucan product, with potency ranging from negligible to extremely high. The microparticulate size of 1-2 microns, versus larger globular or reaggregated particulate glucan, is much more potent in immune response potentiation as evidenced by the increased nitric oxide burst in the macrophage cells. The nitric oxide burst is the killing mechanism for microbes, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, for the large white immune cell immune cell designated as a macrophage.

Some incompetent hype merchants in beta glucan claim particle size has no bearing on immune potentiation capabilities of a beta glucan. Particle size is proven conclusively by peer-reviewed published U.S. Medical School Research at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology in an extensive research project spanning seven years. However, more than small particle size on ingestion is required, because orally taken beta glucan reaggregates, or clumps back, into a larger size when exposed to water in the digestive process.

This reaggregation effectively returns even reduced sized particles back to a larger particle sizes due to clumping together. Unless processed to create non-aggregation, the globular/reaggregated glucan particles then arrive in the Peyers' Patch of the lymphatic system to attempt to activate a receptor site on the macrophage cell that is about 1 micron in size in globular sizes that are to a great degree ineffective in immune potentiation.

Insoluble particulate Beta glucan taken orally, in contrast to water soluble for injection, is marketed as a dietary food additive supplement that nutritionally empowers the immune system to maintain or build up and, when necessary, renew our body’s immune defenses. An immune system in peak condition provides the most protective disease defenses, faster recoveries, enhanced shielding from radiation damage plus environmental hazards and an extension of life associated with good health. We all seek a quality, not just quantity of life and the immune system is the key!

Is Beta Glucan an Anti-Oxidant?

A. Beta glucan also has powerful antioxidant attributes, with heightened free-radical scavenging activity to nutritionally enable the immune system to fight back against health invaders such as fungus, bacteria, viruses, parasites and radiation. Technically named Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan, Beta glucan is a long-chained polysaccharide molecule derived from the cell wall of common Baker's yeast. An extremely potent and medical school researched form is MG glucan, which is a microparticulate processed in a proprietary manner with U.S. Patent to prevent certain negative characteristics, including reaggregation, exhibited in other glucans that can significantly diminish the immune response potentiation.

Beta glucan is orally effective, safe, non-toxic and optimally effective when delivered in small particle sizes (microparticulate) for peak absorption, ingestion rate and saturation into the immune system. In this form the product is absorbed to a high percentage in your immune system, not just passed through and expelled by the body as large particle globular glucans, and ingested faster by more immune cells to go to work to attack and fight back against health invaders that constantly attempt to steal our good health.

Evidence now shows Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is, from an evolutionary point of view, one of the most widely and most commonly observed activator in nature for the most ancient cell in the immune cascade, the Macrophage. The immune response potentiation of Beta glucan crosses kingdom lines and has been found in all branches of the animal, bird, fish and plant kingdoms. Beta glucan will help you, your pets and your plants!

The research involving Beta Glucan began in the 1940's with a history of beta glucan scientific discoveries by Dr. Nicholas DiLuzio, Dr. Joyce Czop, Dr. William Browder and others bringing us to today's research status. An outstanding website for reviewing Beta Glucan research is www.betaglucan.org with research listed by condition and disease instead of by researcher. The website also gives quotes related to the research references so those interested so that individual research studies do not have to be obtained unless more in depth study is desired.

Recent independent research in 1998-2005 at the University of Nevada School of Medicine under the direction of Kenneth Hunter, Sc.D. confirmed prior research completed at Baylor College of Medicine in the laboratory of Professor Phil Wyde, Ph.D. as to the oral effectiveness of particulate-insoluble Beta glucan in activating immunity. Macrophages in both studies significantly increased their immune response (phagocyte) activity in mice fed with Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan. The Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan used in the University of Nevada School of Medicine immune research was MG Glucan provided by Nutritional Scientific Corporation (NSC).

These test results indicate Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is a unique and very valuable oral immune activator. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is highly effective as a microparticulate oral dietary supplement with particle sizes 1-2 microns that will not re-aggregate after water contact during the digestive process. In summary, because the receptor sites for Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan on the macrophage are approximately 1 micron in size, microparticulate particle size has been conclusively proven in the Medical School Research at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, to be an important determinant of immune response activation and response.

Hundreds of scientific studies have been produced by such prestigious institutions as Baylor Medical School, Tulane University, Harvard Medical School during the history of Beta Glucan research and on-going research at the U. of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSM), including an October 2002 peer-reviewed publication of partial research findings. All attest to the immuno-activating and protective effects of Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from yeast cell walls with current research confirming the benefits of micronization, or small particle glucan efficacy, compared to large particle size glucans. Below are some quotations from such research:

“MG Glucan has been shown to enhance the envelopment and digestion (phagocytosis) of pathogenic microorganisms that cause infectious disease. The Beta-1,3/1,6 glucans additionally enhance the ability of Macrophages, one of the most important cells in the immune system, to kill tumor cells. Laboratory studies have revealed the new MG Glucan is significantly effective at activating Macrophages, and via the Macrophages, in turn the entire immune cascade including T-Cells and B-Cells.” Research Summary Release, January 2001, issued jointly by The University of Nevada School of Medicine and Nutritional Supply Corporation (now Nutritional Scientific Corporation) .

"Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, is a potent Macrophage stimulant and is beneficial in the therapy of experimental bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases." William Browder, M.D., Dept. of Surgery and Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine

"A cascade of interactions and reactions initiated by Macrophage regulatory factors can be envisioned to occur and to eventuate in conversion of the glucan treated host to an arsenal of defense." Joyce K. Czop, Ph.D., Dept. of Rheumatology and Immunology, Harvard Medical School

"Glucan (Beta-1,3) has been shown to enhance Macrophage function dramatically, and to increase nonspecific host resistance to a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections." M.L. Patchen, Ph.D., Dept. of Experimental Hematology and Radiation Sciences, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute.

"...there was evidence that macrophages, key target cells for the immunopharmacological activity of B-glucans, preferentially ingest particles in the 1-2-µ (micron) diameter size range."

"Compared with the aggregated form of B-glucan, the B-glucan microparticles ... are more effective at enhancing phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages following oral administration. Although both aggregated [5-100-µ micron diameter] and microparticulate [1-2-µ micron diameter] glucans enhanced peritoneal macrophage activation when administered orally in mice, the microparticulate glucan was significantly better than the aggregated form." Hunter KW, Gault RA, Berner MD, "Preparation of microparticulate B-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for use in immune potentiation." Letters in Applied Microbiology," Vol 35 Issue 4, 267-271, October 2002 (commercially MG Beta Glucan).

Note: Review the Scientific Research Studies on Beta Glucan Indexed by Health Condition at www.betaglucan.org from the Beta Glucan Research Organization

Q: Who should use Beta glucan to enhance the immune system?

A: Each of us has an unbelievably complex immune system designed to protect us against all intrusions into the body that may cause harm. Your immune system is your primary natural defense against disease and aging; not pharmaceutical drugs available only with a prescription. Beta glucan is a fuel for your immune system to enable a faster, larger, smarter and extended immune response.

Additionally, Beta glucan nutritionally promotes regeneration of a suppressed immune response or a calming of a hyper immune response such as allergic reactions. Joined with proper diet, moderate exercise, adequate rest and reduced stress, the immune system can be maintained or in many instances returned to peak condition when nutritionally potentiated with Beta 1/3,1/6 glucan, with a medical school proven form being MG Glucan.

An enhanced and peak immune response is a key to success for anyone aging, subject to physical or emotional stress, with a chronic illness, subject to colds and flu, arthritis, diabetes, skin disorders, cancer, heart risk or conditions, high cholesterol, lung disorders, allergies, asthma, transplants, environmental hazards from work, school or travel (flying in particular), in radiation treatment, or suffering attacks classified as caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. The immune response is the primary defense against the current epidemic of West Nile Virus according to government and health authorities.

Bottom line, in my opinion everyone should take Beta glucan with the amount dependent on whether Beta glucan is taken to contribute to nutritional maintenance of good health, or as an attempt to nutritionally contribute to a correction of a compromised or hyperactive immune system.

Q: What else can I do to help improve my immune system?

A: Moderate exercise, proper diet, adequate rest, limited stress and an optimistic attitude with laughter and belief in a higher being all help to naturally enhance and maintain our immune systems. A good multi-vitamin and various natural supplements, particularly Beta glucan, are almost always beneficial to provide nutritional benefits when we fall short on proper diet, exercise, rest and reduced stress.

Some other essential supplements are Colostrum, CoEnzyme Q10, Aged Garlic, Astragalus, Grape Seed Extract, Bioflavanoids, Omega 3's and a high quality multiple vitamin including vitamins C, E and B Complex with essential minerals including zinc, selenium and magnesium and enzymes. Let’s be candid, we all fall short and abuse our body’s natural defenses! Neither Beta glucan nor any other supplement is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but since we are not perfect, our immune systems need to be nutritionally boosted by a micronized Beta glucan of very high quality.

Q: What is the proper dosage of Beta glucan?

A: Your personal physician/health provider should be consulted to evaluate personal medical conditions and related dosages of any drug or supplement. However, most physicians are not familiar with the existence of Beta glucan, much less the proper dosage.

Recent research at the University of Nevada School of Medicine has determined in a massive study “in vitro” that a dosage of 10 milligrams per day of properly processed and micronized Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan extracted from yeast cell wall is as effective as 100 milligrams per day and more effective than 1,000 milligrams per day. The Beta glucan utilized in this study was U.S. Patented (6,476,003) MG Glucan (not a commercial product name) provided by Nutritional Scientific Corporation. For maintenance dosages, 3 mg per day is a suggested amount if the Beta glucan is properly processed and very high quality. The dosages were extrapolated from minute dosages in animals to determine the amount appropriate for a 160 pound human.

A: To micronize particulate Beta glucan to a small microparticulate particle size of 1-2 microns average or less is very expensive, usually involving multiple processing steps to reduce the glucan down to a size of 1/25,400 of an inch, the same size as the glucan receptor site on the immune cells. A second critical step developed and utilized by only one commercial product manufacturer is also expensive due to unique equipment required for the process to assure the Beta glucan does not re-aggregate back into larger clumps because larger clumps hinder proper ingestion by the macrophage cells. This unique Beta glucan is extracted and isolated by a proprietary process with U.S. Patent issued and is classified as MG Glucan.

Very few Beta glucan products on the market pay the extra expense of true micronization and only one to date incurs the expense to disaggregate the glucan, a process that assures the microparticulate particles will not “clump” back resembling a cluster grapes when exposed to water in the digestive process. Thus the range of prices is from $9.95 to $94.95, but you get what you pay for and Beta glucan is no exception.

(1) Is the company sponsoring recent medical school research in the United States under U.S. Government guidelines on the Beta glucan in the bottle being sold retail, or is the Beta glucan in your product purchased from a third party wholesale for private branding and the research quoted from sources other than independent medical school research on the product in the bottle being purchased?

(2) Are any doctors in immunology directly associated with research and development of the Beta glucan product in the bottle? If so, who and with what organization? When and how? What research where and when? Is the Beta glucan prepared by a U.S. Patented process that optimizes immune response potentiation?

(3) Are any consultants to the World Health Organization in immunology associated with direct product development or research on the specific product in the bottle, with access to World Health Organization’ data bases and research?

(5) Do company products focus on Beta glucan or is the Beta glucan product just one of 100’s or 1,000’s with little specific personnel knowledge about what Beta glucan is; what it does and what distinguishes a marginal product from an outstanding product?

(6) What form of Beta glucan is in the product to be taken orally, with the preferable form being MG microparticulate nonaggregated Glucan.

(7) Does anyone know what "reaggregation" or "non-aggregate" mean and if so, which is doubtful, do they have a process to assure "non-aggregation?"

(8) Check the www.fda.gov site to determine what beta glucan purveyors and their websites might have received FDA Warning Letters as to inappropriate claims and websites. As an example, Young Again Nutrients has received such a FDA Warning letter in May of 2003 and the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Mark McClelland has stated in regard to the Young Again Nutrients beta glucan product and website, "Bogus products from questionable websites do no good, and can actually make matters worse by providing a false sense of protection."

Obviously, the more positive responses and absence of FDA Warnings, the higher the probabilities that the product you are buying is the best quality available based on current specific scientific research on the product in the bottle. If a company will not or cannot answer these questions positively, dial again!

Almost all Beta glucans selling very inexpensively are either basically fiber derived from grain (Beta 1,4 glucan), or are very large particle sizes with minimal, if any, processing to optimize immune activation. Some are even whole yeast cell walls without the Beta glucan extracted at all. High milligram dosages, larger particle sizes, reaggregation and cheap prices are not better in Beta glucans. Rocks are not better than bullets as ammunition even though they weigh more and are of greater volume - the same with beta glucans. Less is more if Beta glucans are processed correctly. Don’t be shy. Ask questions and if you do not get good answers, go elsewhere!

In summary, you will pay 5 to 10 times more for properly processed microparticulate Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from yeast cell wall that does not re-aggregate (99% of companies will not even know what you mean when you ask!), but it is probably 10 to 1,000 times more effective than the inexpensively processed and generally ineffective Beta glucans that, for the most part, go right through your system and never enter or minimally potentiate the immune response.

Patented MG Glucan is scientifically proven to be a superior quality form of Beta glucan, although also one of the most expensive. But you do not want cheap, low-grade fuel to empower your most precious asset – your body. A guideline to always follow: Where your health is concerned, 2^nd best is not good enough! Be informed and make a correct decision based on facts and research; not marketing hype.

Q: Is there any known toxicity or negative side effects related to Beta glucans? In other words, is it safe and does the FDA have a position?

A: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from yeast cell wall is safe and non-toxic, with the classification of G-R-A-S (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA as a dietary food additive supplement derived from Baker’s yeast. In very rare cases based on testimonial responses, some die-off may occur mimicking symptoms of a disease as toxins killed by your immune system try to exit the body, but the reaction is very short in duration and again, extremely rare.

No contra-indications with other pharmaceutical products are known to date, but always check with your personal health provider if you have questions in this regard. If you are taking multiple pharmaceutical products and/or other supplements, any adverse reaction is almost certainly from the other sources, but in this instance always check immediately with your health provider/physician.

Q: What is the difference in various Beta glucans?

A: Beta glucans can be derived from yeast cell wall, oats and barley, mushrooms, algae, mannin and other sources, but for optimum activation of the immune response, none compare to micronized and disaggregated Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from yeast cell wall (Baker’s yeast). In fact, current medical school research demonstrates the MG Beta Glucan is more than twice as potent in immune potentiation (nitric oxide stimulation to kill microbes) as any competitor beta glucan since all other re-aggregate into less efficient sizes for ingestion on being subjected to water in the digestive process.

Dr. Joyce Czop from Harvard Medical School has determined that Beta glucan from yeast cell wall is up to 100 times more effective than mannin in immuno-potentiation. Glucans derived from grains minimally affect the immune response if at all, but do help in lowering cholesterol.

Q: Why is particle size of Beta glucan oral supplements important?

A: Beta glucans are absorbed through the intestine wall and then ingested by the Macrophage immune cells via Beta glucan receptors of approximately one micron in size. Large particle or globular size Beta glucans are inexpensive because they are minimally processed and not reduced to microparticulate size of 1 to 2 microns particle size for superior immune response potentiation.

After transferal from the intestine to the lymphatic system in the Peyer’s Patch, the Beta glucan must be ingested by immune cells known as Macrophages. T cells, NK cells and B cells are in turn potentiated in what is called the immune cascade. Beta glucan consumption is easier with more Beta glucan ingested faster if in microparticulate bits the size of the receptor sites, in contrast to large chunks or reaggregated clumps of glucan after exposure to water in the digestive process that hinder fast and complete ingestion.

Finally, more immune cells will ingest the smaller particles in size, increasing the saturation factor. Thus, a much higher percentage of micronized Beta glucan enters the immune system faster, which potentiates more immune cells to enable an immune response with greater numbers of activated immune cells targeted to kill and dispose of the pathogens.

Recent medical school research at the University of Nevada School of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Hunter, Immune consultant to the World Health Organization, conclusively demonstrates the immune potentiation by Beta glucan is dependent on ingestion and not just contact with the glucan receptors on these white immune cells. See Beta Glucan Scientific Research at www.betaglucan.org .

Because Beta glucan receptor sites are approximately 1 micron in size, Beta glucans in 1-2 micron particle sizes (micro-particulates) are ingested easier, faster and more completely by the Macrophages than larger sized glucans that do not fit the receptor site and thus must be broken down first to be ingested. Ingestion by the immune cells is then in lesser amounts with time delays caused by the inefficient and slow process of the Macrophage cells attempt to reduce the particles sizes chemically.

Q: If I am allergic to yeast; will Beta glucan cause a problem?

A: Although Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is derived from Baker's yeast, if properly processed, it is a pure isolate containing no harmful yeast proteins that would cause an allergic reaction or aggravate any existing yeast allergic condition. The mannose-proteins that are primarily responsible for allergic reactions to yeast are on the exterior surface of yeast cells and are completely removed during the U.S. Patented extraction process utilized to extract, micronize and disaggregate MG Beta glucan.

While processed and purified MG Beta glucan contains miniscule amounts of residual internal protein, these internal proteins are degraded and altered in the processing to a form that no longer structurally resembles the proteins originally present internally in the yeast cell wall. Therefore, the body will not recognize these miniscule amounts of residual proteins in MG Beta glucan as being from yeast origin and will accordingly not respond to them by an allergic reaction.

Because mannose-protein on the yeast cell wall surface is eliminated and the minimal internal proteins are altered to a point to be unrecognizable by the body as having any yeast characteristics, MG Beta glucan is non-allergenic, creating no allergic reactions or sensitivities when properly processed and taken as an oral dietary supplement. Properly processed Beta glucan in pure isolate form has even been used by doctors in nutritionally promoting wellness in Candida infestations.

Q: Could Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan cause over-stimulation of my immune system or auto-immunity?

A: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan potentiates the Macrophage immune cell, but the immune response does not occur until a Macrophage ingests a foreign invader (bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite); then displays the invader's "antigen" for recognition (APC cell) by a T-Cell (Thymus immune cell) or B-Cell, thus initiating the full immune response.

MG Glucan is often used during these conditions to nutritionally boost the immune response, while it is assumed there is no exacerbation of any inappropriate immune response based on testimonial responses. No known scientific research to date has indicated that Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan contributes to an auto-immunity response; however, in specific situations check with your personal health provider for approval.

Q: Are there any drug interactions that occur with Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan?

A: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is confirmed by research to be a powerful adjuvant that enhances the effect of many antibiotic, chemotherapy and cholesterol lowering drugs (statin anti-fungals), in addition to other natural substances.

To my knowledge, there are no known or reported adverse effects to date when combined with pharmacological drugs or natural products, but always ask your physician should you have questions in this regard. The only warning would be to not inhale a significant amount of the beta glucan in powder form externally due to potential to create a potent inflammatory response in the lungs. Since the beta glucan is taken as an oral dietary supplement in capsule form in miniscule volume, this is a significant risk only for those processing beta glucans and this risk can be eliminated by utilizing proper laboratory procedures for safety in processing microparticulate substances.

Q: What are Macrophages?

A: Macrophages are large white immune cells representing the first line of defense in the initiation and maintenance of the immune response. Like all blood cells, Macrophages originate in the bone marrow from a pluripotent stem cell. As it matures and enters the blood stream it becomes a monocyte. Monocytes enlarge in the blood before entering the tissue as mature Macrophages.

From an evolutionary point of view, the Macrophage is the oldest and most consistently preserved immunologically competent cell known. Not only humans and higher animals, but primitive invertebrates such as Hydra which have no other immunological effector cells, have Macrophages.

Macrophages with various names exist in all tissues, organs, blood and lymph and are classified as phagocytes to devour, breakdown and dispose of foreign particles in the cell-mediated immune response. Macrophages also participate in the innate or non-specific immune first response that attacks and attempts to kill any substance that does not originate in the body known as “non-self.”

Q: How are Macrophages Activated?

A: In order to function defensively, the Macrophages must pass through a state of activation which involves certain form and structure changes. Most importantly, a sequence of metabolic changes occurs which results in the production of a series of cytokines. Cytokines act as protein internal regulators of the immune system. Activation can be initiated by a variety of different stimuli such as endotoxin, bacteria, viruses, fungi or chemicals.

The activated Macrophage is very potent in the immune response. A Macrophage can recognize and kill tumor cells non-specifically, as well as remove foreign debris. It also can produce a number of essential cytokines that are able to stimulate the immune system in general and boost bone marrow production.

To be activated by Beta glucan, the Macrophage must ingest the Beta glucan through glucan receptor sites one-two microns in size and then through a unique protein expression classified as B7, present antigens to T-cells to initiate the proper immune response, including the B-cells and the production of appropriate antibodies.

Q: Scientifically describe what Beta glucan is and why it is unique?

A: There are several types of Beta glucan; however, Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from the cell wall of Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is by far the most active and potent immune potentiator in lesser amounts. A three dimensional model of this molecule reveals a helix and research at Harvard University has shown that receptors specifically for Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from yeast cell wall exist on the Macrophage cell membrane. While a polysaccharide, Beta glucan differs from other sugar molecules such as Glucose.

Glucose is a simple saccharide that the body transforms to energy as ATP and stores in muscles, liver and other tissues in a form of glycogen. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is different from energy-storing glucose containing polysaccharides because the connection between the glucose units is different. More specifically, it is the Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan linkage that makes this compound unique. The most potent particulate Beta glucan from yeast cell wall based on medical school research to date is produced by a proprietary process with U.S. Patent 6,476,003 issued and other Patents Pending, classified as MG Glucan.

Note: Detailed Information is available at www.betaglucan.org from the Beta Glucan Research Organization

Q: Will Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan assist in Anti-Aging?

A: The aging process has been defined as "the sum total of life's physical embarrassment due to adverse conditions." Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan may well be the first true anti-aging nutritional supplement. It nutritionally potentiates the immune system to defend against negative events such as infection, tumors and radiation damage, and adjunctive to the positive effects of antioxidants, lipid balance enhancers, antibiotics and other therapeutics. The result can be improved general health which means greater enjoyment of life, fewer infirmities, less time and money required for medical needs and potentially dramatic savings in health-related expenditures over time.

The lowering of the effectiveness of the immune function is one of the main elements of the aging process. Health invaders (pathogens) attack us throughout life and the debilitating effects of disease and compromised health contribute to what we characterize as aging. Because of age, many individuals have a compromised immune defense system.

Individuals with a compromised immune defense system are susceptible to the following problems: arthritis; reduced wound healing capacity; reduced bone marrow proliferation with resulting lowered white cell counts and anemia; increased incidence of cancers; and increased incidence of viral, fungal, and bacterial infection. In addition, the immune system is impaired by numerous environmental factors such as UV radiation, environmental toxins, food preservatives and even antibiotics. A healthy immune response acting at peak ability with nutritional activation by Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is a positive factor in “Anti-Aging” and an extended life span.

Q: Can Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan help reduce Stress-related immuno-suppression?

A: Physical and emotional stress and intense physical exercise can negatively effect the immune system. Documentation in research demonstrates generally healthy athletes frequently suffer from influenza or pneumonia following heavy periods of intense exercise. The excess production of cortisol is believed to be contributory to immune suppression related to stress.

The same immuno-suppression is observed in people with stress-related diseases, such as coronary disease. Under these influences, the number of Macrophages available are reduced and unable to participate in the immune cascade which causes even deeper immuno-suppression. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan has been shown to both potentiate and activate Macrophage cells which will assist in countering these effects.

Q: Does Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan support Cancer treatment?

A: Suggested is a review of research involving cancer and beta glucan at the non-commercial website www.betaglucan.org . In the 1970's, Peter Mansell, M.D., conducted studies in which Beta glucan was injected into subcutaneous nodules of malignant melanoma. Subsequent biopsies of the injection sites found no evidence of melanoma, just a collection of obviously activated Macrophages.

Many testimonial reports, including Dr. Frederick Hilgert of the Royal Academy of Surgeons, have reported excellent results in avoiding negatives of chemotherapy by a regimen of MG Beta glucan.

A January 2001 research update under the supervision of Dr. Kenneth Hunter from the University of Nevada School of Medicine stated, “…The Beta-1,3/1,6 glucans additionally enhance the ability of Macrophages, one of the most important cells in the immune system, to kill tumor cells. Laboratory studies have revealed the new MG Glucan is significantly effective at activating Macrophages, and via the Macrophages, in turn the entire immune cascade including T-Cells and B-Cells.”

Extensive research continues in this area and again, we encourage frequent review of the non-commercial website www.betaglucan.org which reviews beta glucan research by health condition. Beta glucan has been scientifically demonstrated to nutritionally promote generation of immunocytes in the bone marrow which are depleted by cancer - a very important potentiation to keep a strong immune response in the face of debilitating disease.

Q: Does Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan protect against negative radiation burns and other negative effects?

A: The U.S. Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute performed remarkable oral research with Beta glucan. In a well-controlled study, rats were given a lethal dose of radiation. Seventy percent of these rats were completely protected from the radiation effects when given a dose of yeast Beta glucan by mouth AFTER the radiation.

Dr. A.J. Carrow, M.D. recently conducted studies with a commercial Beta glucan product reported in the “Townsend Letter for Doctors.” Dr. Carrow had outstanding results in women suffering from breast cancer being successfully shielded from radiation negatives compared to those who did not receive the Beta glucan product.

Q: Is Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan a potent free-radical scavenger and antioxidant?

A: Myra Patchen, Ph.D., co-author of the military study, confirmed that Beta glucan is also a free radical scavenger. Blood Macrophages are protected by Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from free radical attack during and after radiation exposure. The Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan allowed these cells to continue their important functions in the irradiated body and release factors important to the restoration of normal bone marrow production.

Free radical scavenging testing involving Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan in different models confirmed the antioxidant effect. The powerful free radical fighting abilities of Beta glucan are a major benefit to better health and longer life based on the known potential of free radicals to accelerate aging, cause cancer and other diseases.

Q: Does Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan reduce the need and increase the effectiveness of Antibiotics?

A: When Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan was added to the antibiotic regime in animals challenged with different bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and others) and viral pathogens (Herpes virus), a reduced amount of antibiotics or antivirals was needed to cope with the infection.

Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan acts as an adjuvant that creates a reaction in which less antibiotics are required to perform the same task requiring more antibiotics for the same results without Beta glucans. When antibiotics damage the good bacteria of the gut, Beta glucan assist the immune response in devouring and disposing of the yeast overgrowth (fungus) that can occur and, with the benefit of a probiotic, can nutritionally enable a return to proper digestion and wellness in the digestive tract.

Q: Does Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan fight Candida?

A: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan has an anti-fungal effect, shown in experiments with Candida albicans. The broad anti-infective spectrum of Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan can be explained only by the fact that the immuno-potentiation produced by this unique material is non-specific. Recent research at Oxford University also demonstrates the effectiveness of Beta 1/3-1/6-d glucan.

Q: Do you personally use Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan?

A: Yes. I had severe allergies and asthma, in addition to having had deep vein thrombosis and three herniated discs! I personally credit Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan with enabling me to live a normal life that was previously miserable on most days; when feeling good was just not feeling bad. In my opinion, everyone should take a high quality Beta glucan in addition to a multiple vitamin, with the MG Beta glucan form recommended.

The goal in health should be to stay healthy instead of having to seek a cure when becoming ill and the amazing human immune system is the primary solution to this objective. Because we lack the discipline and will power to maintain our immune systems at peak through proper diet, exercise, rest and stress management; supplementation is necessary and the premier nutritional and natural supplementation at this time is MG Beta Glucan.

About Frank M. Jordan

Frank M. Jordan is a noted author, lecturer, researcher and co-inventor with several U.S. and Foreign Patents Issued or Pending, including U.S. Patent 6,476,003 issued on Beta-glucan from yeast cell wall. Jordan received a Master’s degree in graduate studies from The University of Texas at Austin and serves as President of Carmel Research, Inc.

Jordan also appears each weekday as Host of “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise,” with a prominent Health Staff member of HWW. The popular health call-in show (877-956-9566) is heard nationally on XM Satellite Radio, Ch 170 at 4-5 p.m. Eastern, 3-4 p.m. Central or 1-2 p.m. Pacific time. The show presents health news and the benefits of integrative medicine including conventional, alternative and homeopathic traditional health sciences. The popular show is also web simulcast for all shows weekdays with rebroadcast also available. Go to www.hwwshow.com for current and additional show information.