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Beta-glucans may reduce duration, of respiratory infections, like the common cold
Competitive endurance athletes experience upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), like the common cold, at a higher rate than causal or recreational participants.
Epidemiologic data suggests that endurance athletes are particularly susceptible to infection during periods of heaving training and the 1- to 2-week period after a long event, like a marathon or other endurance-type race. (Nieman) (Shephard)
Researchers have found that there is a dramatic decrease (falling below exercise and pre-exercise levels) in immune response within two hours of exercise. Many athletes and trainers describe this period as an “open window,” or a brief period of immunosuppression. (Nieman)
Despite abundant research into immune health and possible preventatives, there aren’t many proven ways to stay healthy after intense exercise.
However, as hard as you try to avoid getting sick, you still might find yourself with a URTI during training season. If so, make sure to get proper sleep and nutrition, and try supplementing with beta-glucans.
Beta-glucans are sugars found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants. They occur often in our diets in fibrous cereals derived from oat, barley, wheat, and rye, like bran flakes and oatmeal.
Interestingly, before research on beta-glucans and URTIs, they were already being used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, with the most notable being high cholesterol, infection after surgery, cervical cancer, weight loss, and reduction of RTIs.
The first study examining the relationship between beta-glucans and RTIs was performed on a group of 215 children.
Several clinical studies have been performed, as well.
Other studies have found that beta-glucans failed to reduce incidence of illness, but did reduce severity.
However, the researchers note that severity was less pronounced in the beta-glucan group and that the physical symptoms were reduced, as well as improved blood pressure. (Dharsono)
Similar findings have been reported elsewhere, leaving many researchers to conclude that beta-glucans could be a safe way to both treat and prevent RTIs. (Jesenak)
Not only could beta-glucans reduce RTIs in the general population, but they may offer athletes a competitive advantage by reducing incidents of upper respiratory infections, like the common cold.
Some studies focused on the effects of beta-glucans on biomarkers of immune response, rather than incidence and severity of illness.
Other researchers found that beta-glucan supplementation helped prevent the decline of natural killer cells (white blood cells), which has been observed after intense exercise. (Bobovcak)
Beta-glucans are acid resistant, allowing it to move through the stomach relatively unchanged.
Macrophages, or large white blood cells, reside in the lining of the stomach. They are armed with beta-glucan receptors, and transport the molecule and activate it in the process.
The beta-glucan then moves to lymph nodes where it is able to release proteins (cytokines) that activate a systemic immune response. (Rahar)
The commercially available form of beta-glucan, Wellmune, is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can find out more about the research behind Wellmune here.
According to researchers, beta-glucan is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.
As a dietary supplement, take 250 mg of yeast beta-glucan per day.
Beta-glucans increase immune response, making it ill-advised to supplement beta-glucan while taking immunosuppressants. (WebMD)
You can ingest beta-glucans through your diet, although cooking foods will reduce the content of beta-glucans. Foods rich in beta-glucan include
Or, try supplementing beta-glucan with ImmuneElite, a 250mg capsule that has clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in URTIs, the symptoms of URTIs, and total sick days in athletes.
About The Author:
Matt Mosman (MS, CISSN, CSCS) is a research scientist, endurance athlete, and the founder and Chief Endurance Officer at EndurElite. Matt holds his B.S. in Exercise Science from Creighton University and his M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of California. Matt and his family reside in Spearfish South Dakota, where they enjoy running, mountain biking, camping, and all the outdoor adventures Spearfish has to offer.
