Written by Chrystal Moulton, Science Writer. Participants in the treatment had a 34% and 40% improvement in “non-hay fever quality of life” symptoms at weeks 3 and 6, respectively, compared to baseline (P=0.01).
Beta-glucans are long chain polysaccharides found in oats, mushrooms, and algae that demonstrate a variety of health benefits1. Like ashwagandha, beta-glucans serves as a adaptogen that both increase and decrease immune response based on the needs of the body1. Furthermore, beta-glucan receptors can be found on immune cells2. Used in a nasal spray, beta-glucans has been shown to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis3,4 and when taken orally, improved nocturnal asthma symptoms5. Beta-glucans have also shown to improve psychological well-being also6,7. In the current trial, researchers investigated the effect of beta-glucan supplementation on the allergy symptoms and quality of life in adults with moderate seasonal allergies1.
For this trial, investigators recruited healthy middle-aged adults who were interested in natural remedies for allergies and willing to discontinue use of their current allergy medications during the trial. Eligible volunteers were randomly assigned to receive 100mg capsules of maltodextrin or carboxymethyl glucan, which they took daily with a meal for 6 weeks. Researchers assessed respiratory symptoms using the VAS scale and quality of life using the Respiratory Quality of Life Quotient. Researchers also collected data on psychological state using the Profile of Mood State questionnaire along with cytokine and cortisol concentration from saliva samples. All tests were conducted at baseline, week 3, and week 6 after beginning the assigned protocol. Study compliance and adverse reactions were assessed during each testing period.
A total of 23 individuals completed the study [Glucan = 13, Placebo= 10]. No adverse events were reported in either group. Researchers observed no significant difference in respiratory quality of life specific to sinus/nasal symptoms, daily activities, or emotional problems between the placebo and treatment groups. However, there was a significant difference from baseline to weeks 3 and 6 in “non-hay fever quality of life”. This included tiredness, reduced productivity, headache, concentration, thirst, and fatigue. Participants in the treatment had a 34% and 40% improvement in “non-hay fever quality of life” symptoms at weeks 3 and 6, respectively, compared to baseline (P=0.01). No significant difference was observed for allergy symptoms based on the VAS scale between the treatment and placebo groups. However, individuals in the treatment group showed significant improvement compared to baseline at week 3 [20% reduction in symptoms] and week 6 [44% reduction in symptoms] (P<0.05). Researchers also observed improvement in mood within the treatment group compared to baseline (P<0.05). Cortisol, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta was significantly reduced in the glucan group compared to baseline and placebo at weeks 3 and 6 (P<0.05).
Results from this study support the use of carboxymethyl glucan for management of allergy symptoms. However, a larger clinical trial will be needed to verify the use of carboxymethyl glucan for management of allergy symptoms.
Source: Talbott, Shawn. “Effect of CM-Glucan Supplementation on Respiratory Health and Quality of Life in Self-Described Pollen-Allergy Sufferers.” EC Nutrition 19 (2024): 01-09.
© All rights reserved by Shawn Talbott., et al.
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Posted February 18, 2025.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
References:
- Talbott S. Effect of CM-Glucan Supplementation on Respiratory Health and Quality of Life in Self-Described Pollen-Allergy Sufferers. EC Nutrition. 2024;19:01-09.
- Han B, Baruah K, Cox E, Vanrompay D, Bossier P. Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of β-Glucans From the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review. Frontiers in immunology. 2020;11:658. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658
- Baldassarre ME, Di Mauro A, Labellarte G, et al. Resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-β-glucan in infants with common cold: A randomized double-blind trial. Heliyon. Apr 2020;6(4):e03814. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03814
- Miraglia Del Giudice M, Maiello N, Capristo C, et al. Resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-β-glucan reduces nasal symptoms in children with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. Curr Med Res Opin. Oct 2014;30(10):1931-5. doi:10.1185/03007995.2014.938731
- Pilar Agnes Gonzalez Andaya M. Effects of carboxymethyl glucan (CM-glucan) in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma: A randomized controlled trial. Accessed 02/06/2025
- https://wao.confex.com/wao/2015wac/webprogram/Paper7959.html
- Talbott SM, Talbott JA, Talbott TL, Dingler E. β-Glucan supplementation, allergy symptoms, and quality of life in self-described ragweed allergy sufferers. Food Sci Nutr. Jan 2013;1(1):90-101. doi:10.1002/fsn3.11
- Talbott SM, Talbott JA. Baker’s yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2012;31(4):295-300.
