Beta Glucan’s Versatile Immune Modulating Properties

The Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is well regarded as a potent immune support compound.  The primary active component is beta glucan, otherwise known as the D fraction.  Beta glucan is also highly concentrated in oat fiber, which is also documented as an immune support compound.  This brief review discusses the value of beta glucan as part of a natural immune support program.

A mouse study has shown that maitake can boost the phagocytic activity¹ of front line immune troops (leucocytes - neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils) while at the same time exerting protection against excessive inflammation that is often associated with immune system activity (meaning a more efficient immune response).  In addition to this increased phagocytic activity maitake also boosts the front line natural killer cells² (immune cells that kill virally infected cells).

Another study confirms that the beta glucan D fraction of maitake has been demonstrated to boost macrophage Type of white blood cell designed to "eat up" debris and pathogens. It also stimulates various cells to respond to pathogens. and natural killer cell³ activity of front line immune troops.  Additionally, the D fraction boosts the activity of the dendritic cells⁴ (immune cells vital to viral recognition).  Dendritic cells are vital in mounting an immune response against any viral infection including the flu.  D Fraction beta glucan has also been shown to increase the production of interferon⁵, which is required for a potent anti-viral defense.  Beta glucan has been shown to help mount an immune response against an earlier strain of swine flu⁶ (not the current H1N1), leading the researchers to state, “These findings support the potential application of beta-glucan as prophylactic/treatment agent in influenza virus infection.”

It is quite clear that Maitake mushroom, and in particular its D fraction beta glucan component is an excellent nutrient for natural immune support.

Another type of beta glucan, the insoluble beta glucan highly concentrated in oat fiber, is also an excellent immune support nutrient.  It is well known that dietary fiber has a favorable impact on the lymph tissue around the digestive tract. 

This type of fiber, known as beta-1,3-glucan, has been through a number of studies⁷ leading researchers to conclude that it improves “the body’s immune system defense against foreign invaders by enhancing the ability of macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells to respond to and fight a wide range of challenges such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.”

One animal study showed that oat beta glucan⁸ taken regularly significantly improved the anti-viral defense system, even in the presence of exercise induced stress.  The same research group later showed that oat beta glucan activates macrophages in the lungs⁹ and thus reduces the incidence of respiratory infection following stress.

Beta glucan is a natural component that is high in some foods.  Maitake mushroom is a particular good source of one form that is well documented as an immune support nutrient.  Soluble oat beta glucan is another form that also has helpful immune support properties.