How does Beta glucan support immunity?

Our immune system is a wonderfully complex network of molecules, cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body from disease. Optimal immune function is critical for quality of life and for survival itself.

A balanced immune system is essential for our survival, function, and quality of life. When the immune system is imbalanced it may either be over-activated causing autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions or deficient leading to higher susceptibility to pathogens and infectious diseases. 

Beta-glucan polysaccharides are touted as nature’s immune-modulator, helping to prime immune cells and support and balance natural immunity. It prepares and supports the immune system for stronger and faster responses against pathogens. The immune system has evolved to recognize beta-glucans as they are found on the surface of disease-causing fungi and are specifically recognized by cellular receptors which activate the immune system. These receptors are mainly present in innate immune cells, for example, macrophages. The primary receptor for recognizing beta-glucans is Dectin-1, although it is not the only one (1,2).

Trained immunity, a newly identified immune mechanism

Trained immunity describes a functional reprogramming of innate immune cells following exposure to stimuli, which leads to an enhanced response toward a second stimulus. In other words, trained immunity is the ability of the innate immune system to recall or adapt to a first challenge to respond more rapidly and robustly to a secondary challenge by a similar or dissimilar microbial or fungi stimulus (3,4,5). Beta-glucans are typical inducers of trained immunity (6).

Beta-glucans induce trained immunity

Beta-glucans are prototypical inducers of trained immunity (6), which involves three phases sequentially: First, Unstimulated immune cells, such as macrophages, bind Beta-glucan via the dectin-1 receptor and are thereby activated and undergo a functional epigenetic reprogramming and associated metabolic changes, preparing the cells for future encounters with pathogens.

Next, the trained and primed cells are in a resting and non-active mode. Then, the resting period ends when trained/primed cells encounter a pathogen) leading to their response which is more effective and powerful than the response of non-trained/non-primed cells (4,5).

BioGlena™️ – Beta glucan derived from microalgae 

BioGlena™️  Solabia-Algatech Nutritions’ Beta-glucan supports and balances healthy immune function. It is a 100% natural whole Euglena gracilis algae produced by proprietary fermentation technology, ensuring a high beta-glucan content (>55%), as well as complete protein, essential vitamins and minerals.

The microalgae Euglena gracilis produces linear 1,3 beta -glucans called Paramylon which supports a controlled and balanced immune response.

The β-Glucan is easily released from the whole algae in the stomach and is then picked up by immune cells in the intestine and transported to key immune sites in the body. This initiates a cascade of immune signaling and immune cells priming, ultimately strengthening our natural innate and adaptive immune support against pathogens.

BioGlena™  is the next generation source of beta-glucan, 100% natural and completely unprocessed not containing any solvents or additives and it is suitable and safe for the whole family for daily use. 

Clinical studies showed that the consumption of Euglena gracillis products led to fewer days of cold symptoms such as caught runny nose, sore throat etc. and improved well-being by reducing physical and mental fatigue.

BioGlena™ has been recognized by the FDA as a G.R.A.S.

References: 

1. Brown, G. D., Herre, J., Williams, D. L., Willment, J. A., Marshall, A. S. J., & Gordon, S. (2003). Dectin-1 mediates the biological effects of β-glucans. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 197(9), 1119–1124. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20021890 
2. Brown, G. D., Taylor, P. R., Reid, D. M., Willment, J. A., Williams, D. L., Martinez-Pomares, L., Wong, S. Y. C., & Gordon, S. (2002). Dectin-1 is a major β-glucan receptor on macrophages. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 196(3), 407–412. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20020470 
3. Netea, M. G., Domínguez-Andrés, J., Barreiro, L. B., Chavakis, T., Divangahi, M., Fuchs, E., Joosten, L. A. B., van der Meer, J. W. M., Mhlanga, M. M., Mulder, W. J. M., Riksen, N. P., Schlitzer, A., Schultze, J. L., Stabell Benn, C., Sun, J. C., Xavier, R. J., & Latz, E. (2020). Defining trained immunity and its role in health and disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 20(6), 375–388. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-0285-6 
4. Paris, S., Chapat, L., Martin-Cagnon, N., Durand, P. Y., Piney, L., Cariou, C., Bergamo, P., Bonnet, J. M., Poulet, H., Freyburger, L., & De Luca, K. (2020). β-Glucan as Trained Immunity-Based Adjuvants for Rabies Vaccines in Dogs. Frontiers in Immunology, 11(October), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.564497
5. Bekkering, S., Blok, B. A., Joosten, L. A. B., Riksen, N. P., Van Crevel, R., & Netea, M. G. (2016). In Vitro experimental model of trained innate immunity in human primary monocytes. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 23(12), 926–933. https://doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00349-16 
6. Quintin, J., Saeed, S., Martens, J. H. A., Giamarellos-Bourboulis, E. J., Ifrim, D. C., Logie, C., Jacobs, L., Jansen, T., Kullberg, B. J., Wijmenga, C., Joosten, L. A. B., Xavier, R. J., Van Der Meer, J. W. M., Stunnenberg, H. G., & Netea, M. G. (2012). Candida albicans infection affords protection against reinfection via functional reprogramming of monocytes. Cell Host and Microbe, 12(2), 223–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2012.06.006