Beta Glucanase

Beta Glucanase

Beta glucanase refers to the group of carbohydrate enzymes that helps break down beta glucans. Beta glucans are sugars that are found in the cellular structure of algae, yeasts, lichens, bacteria, fungi, cereal bran fiber, and plant fiber. Without beta glucanase, the indigestible fiber beta glucans may become viscous in the intestinal tract and can slow intestinal contractions. In this case, the body won’t get the many health benefits of beta glucans. Since the body doesn’t produce beta glucanase, you need to load up on this digestive enzyme through supplements in order to enhance the digestive process and get the most nutrition out of foods rich in beta glucans.

Benefits of Beta Glucanase

Numerous scientific studies support the many health benefits of taking beta glucanase:

Lowers Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

According to a study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, participants who consumed a diet rich in beta glucans showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels compared to those who consumed low beta glucan diet.^[1] This clearly indicates that enhancing beta glucans absorption through beta glucanase supplementation can help lower clinical parameters of cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol levels.

Boosts Immune Function

Improving the body’s absorption of beta glucans through beta glucanase supplements can help strengthen the immune system and prevent a wide array of diseases. Among complex sugars that act as immunostimulants, beta glucans were found to be the most effective in combating infectious diseases.^[2] Human studies  have shown that beta glucans can enhance the activity and function of cells of the immune system.^[3]   Additionally, three clinical studies demonstrated that pretreatment of high-risk surgical patients with intravenous beta glucans decreased the incidence of infection, shortened hospitalization time, and improved survival rate compared to placebo-treated group.^[4-6]  

Fights Cancer

Lentinan, a type of beta glucan that is found in high concentrations in shiitake mushrooms, has anti-tumor properties and is believed to lessen the side effects of cancer treatment. In one study, beta glucan supplementation in patients with advanced gastric cancer resulted in improved appetite, sleep quality and survival rate, as well as better quality of life.^[7]     

Lowers High Blood Pressure

The effects of soluble dietary fibers such as beta glucans on blood pressure levels have been studied among hypertensive patients. In one meta-analysis, increased dietary intake of beta glucans resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure of hypertensive patients.^[8] Similarly, three other studies demonstrated that beta glucans supplementation in hypertensive patients has beneficial effect on blood pressure levels.^[9-11]  

Helps Lose Weight

Beta glucan is one form of soluble dietary fiber that aids in weight loss. Interestingly, a meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials concluded that a 12-gram increase in daily fiber intake can help reduce body weight and fat percentage.^[12]  

References:

1. J Am Coll Nutr.1997 Feb;16(1):46-5.
2. Brown GD, Gordon S. Fungal β-glucans and mammalian immunity. Immunity. 2003;19(3):311–315.
3. Vetvicka V, Dvorak B, Vetvickova J, et al. Orally administered marine (1→3)-β-d-glucan Phycarine stimulates both humoral and cellular immunity. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2007;40(4):291–298.
4. Babineau TJ, Hackford A, Kenler A, et al. A phase II multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of three dosages of an immunomodulator (PGG-glucan) in high-risk surgical patients. Archives of Surgery. 1994;129(11):1204–1210.
5. Babineau TJ, Marcello P, Swails W, Kenler A, Bistrian B, Forse RA. Randomized phase I/II trial of a macrophage-specific immunomodulator (PGG-glucan) in high-risk surgical patients. Annals of Surgery. 1994;220(5):601–609.
6. Dellinger EP, Babineau TJ, Bleicher P, et al. Effect of PGG-glucan on the rate of serious postoperative infection or death observed after high-risk gastrointestinal operations. Archives of Surgery. 1999;134(9):977–983.
7. Nakano H, Namatame K, Nemoto H, Motohashi H, Nishiyama K, Kumada K. A multi-institutional prospective study of lentinan in advanced gastric cancer patients with unresectable and recurrent diseases: effect on prolongation of survival and improvement of quality of life. Kanagawa Lentinan Research Group. Hepatogastroenterology. 1999;46(28):2662-8.
8. Whelton SP, Hyre AD, Pedersen B, Yi Y, Whelton PK, He J. Effect of dietary fiber intake on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Journal of Hypertension. 2005;23(3):475–481.
9. Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Vuksan V, et al. Soluble fiber intake at a dose approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for a claim of health benefits: serum lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease assessed in a randomized controlled crossover trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;75(5):834–839.
10. Keenan JM, Pins JJ, Frazel C, Moran A, Turnquist L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. The Journal of Family Practice. 2002;51(4):p. 369.
11. He J, Streiffer RH, Muntner P, Krousel-Wood MA, Whelton PK. Effect of dietary fiber intake on blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Hypertension. 2004;22(1):73–80.
12. Howarth NC, Saltzman E, Roberts SB. Dietary fiber and weight regulation. Nutrition Reviews. 2001;59(5):129–139.