Beta-1,3-D Glucan: Immunity for the 21st Century

By Vaclav Vetvicka, PhD, Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine - University of Louisville

In the last century, progress in nutrition and hygiene has significantly curtailed the incidence of infectious disease. Despite these advances, infectious conditions remain the world’s leading cause of death. Current research reveals that bacterial, viral and parasitic agents are also implicated in many cancers, chronic and autoimmune disorders. Add the rise of antibiotic-resistant “bugs,” aging populations, the impact of global travel, and the threat of bioterrorism, and it becomes evident that maintaining a vigilant, responsive immune system is more crucial than ever.

Beta-1,3-D Glucan, a highly purified, yeast-derived polysaccharide, is one of the most potent immune-enhancing agents available. Decades of research attest to the ability of beta glucan to:

• Activate white blood cells to recognize and attack invaders
• Increase the “killing power” of phagocytes and NK cells
• Mobilize progenitor (“stem”) cells to maintain immune cell populations
• Enhance chemotaxis (immune cells ability to get to where they are needed)
• Help to balance the Th1 / Th2 immune response
• Act as a pre-probiotic
• Help stabilize blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Overcome heavy metal suppression of immune function
• Enhance healing processes

Properly prepared Beta-1,3-D Glucan can turn relatively docile immune cells into “shock troops” of immune response, offering greatly enhanced levels of vigilance, killing and healing power. In this webinar, Dr. Vetvicka will review recent research behind this potent immune-enhancing agent and why choosing the right Beta-1,3-D Glucan is so critical.