Yeast-Derived Beta Glucans May Protect against Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Older Adults

by | Aug 24, 2017 | 2016, Lung Health

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Ninety days of beta-1,3/1,5 glucan supplementation demonstrated a trend to fewer days of URTIs and a significant increase in interferon- gamma production in the fifty study participants.

lung healthBeta glucans are sugars found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Acting as immunomodulator agents, beta glucans activate a cascade of events that engage the immune system and help regulate response to pathogenic viruses and bacterial challenges 1. Beta-1,3/1,5 glucan, specifically, is derived from the cell wall of “baker’s yeast” or Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is known for its ability to upregulate macrophage activity (innate immune cells involved in front line of host defense), increase production of cytokines (involved in cell-to-cell communication and coordination of immune response), and support chemotaxis (movement of immune cells) 2,3. Through broad scale immune modulation effects, beta-1,3/1,5 glucans produce enhanced resistance to infection 4, showing promising transferrable effects to various population groups, including individuals with cold and flu symptoms 5, those with moderate lifestyle stress 6, and even athletes 7. In 2017, researchers from the University of Southhampton in the United Kingdom tested the effects of yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,5 glucans on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), the most frequent infectious illness reported in humans 8, in a group of older adults.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in a group of 98 community-dwelling adults (aged 50-70) with medically confirmed URTI. Participants were randomized to receive 250 mg of either beta-1,3/1,5 glucans or matching placebo daily for 90 days during the winter season, and URTI symptoms were evaluated using a self-report measure, the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Tract Severity Score 21. Prior to intervention (Day 0), at Day 45, and post-intervention (Day 90), saliva and blood samples were collected in order to measure cytokine concentrations.

While no significant differences in symptom severity were detected between groups, individuals treated with beta glucans exhibited a strong trend to fewer days of illness (p = 0.067). Relative to placebo, whole blood samples from the beta glucan group also showed increased concentration of interferon-gamma (a cytokine activator of macrophages) from baseline to Day 45 (p = 0.016).

In general, supplementation with beta-1,3/1,5 glucan was found to be well tolerated among older adults with URTI, and showed the potential to reduce the duration of symptoms. Although beta glucans did not produce an observable impact on symptom severity, they demonstrate efficacy in increasing interferon-gamma production, which may help strengthen innate immune function. Larger-scale studies are needed to further assess the preventative role of beta glucans in URTI and other common infections, especially in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Source: Fuller R, Moore MV, Lewith G. Yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,5 glucan, upper respiratory tract infection and innate immunity in older adults. Nutrition. 2017; 39-40: 30-35. DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.03.003.

© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted August 24, 2017.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity.

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