Giving Food a Fiber Boost: Adding High Beta-Glucan Ingredient from Barley to Everyday Foods

Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System

Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. Methods: 100 healthy participants with recurring infections were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or yeast beta-glucan (Yestimun?;n = 50 each group) over a period of 26 weeks. The subjects had to document each common cold episode in a diary, and rate 6 predefined infections symptoms on a 3-point rating scale during an infection period, resulting in an infection score. The common cold episodes were confirmed by the investigators. Results: A total of 171 common cold episodes were documented. Of these, 76 were experienced by 38 subjects in the beta-glucan group and 96 were experienced by 48 subjects in the placebo group (p = 0.406). The beta-glucan group had significantly more subjects without incidences of common cold than the placebo group (15.6% vs 2.0%;p = 0.019). During the most intense infection season (first 13 weeks of the study), the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (“sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing”, “hoarseness and/or cough” and “runny nose”) as opposed to placebo. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.

Safety and Efficacy of a Proprietary Undenatured Beta-Glucan on Different Human Populations

After proving safety in animal and human models, a series of clinical trials were conducted to examine the administration of 1 mg/mL bid of an undenatured beta-glucan on the immune system;and on self-perceived effects on subjects’ quality of life (QoL) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In one study, a subject population that was self-perceived to be fatigued was administered an undetaured beta-glucan, to determine if this supplementation affected their quality-of-life as a result of an increased immune system response. 44 subjects were administered 1 mg/mL bid of the undenatured beta-glucan (Lentinex®) for four weeks. Prior to the beginning of the administration, and following the four-week administration period, the subjects were asked to fill out a quality-of-life VAS questionnaire. The changes in the two questionnaires revealed differences that occurred as a result of the beta-glucan administration. More than 75% of the subjects scored “better” (more than 1 cm on the VAS) with regard to feeling in a good mood, and feeling rested. More than 60% increased their energy and reduced their tiredness and exhaustion, and 70% felt less stressed. In a second study, subjects aged 40 years and older, believed to be in good general health, seeking therapy for tiredness/exhaustion/fatigue or similar conditions (neurasthenia) which were administered 1 mg/mL bid Lentinex®. The overall results indicated that the subjects felt significantly better (mean VAS = 5.91) after the last week of the study compared to how they felt initially (VAS = 4.73) (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) change in distribution favoring a better situation after 4 weeks intake of supplement, with a remarkable fall in number of subjects scoring below normal (from 61.4% to 18.2%) accompanied by a significant shift in subjects feeling above normal, from 9.2% to 50.0%. These clinical studies, and others, showed that Lentinex® administration improved the perceived quality-of-life of subjects whose immune system was probably not functioning at optimal levels.

Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.

Integrated Nutraceutical – Nutritional Approaches to Address Equine Leaky Gut Syndrome

Many of the nutrients beneficial for intestinal health are present in normal foods,but their normal daily intake may be too low to exert optimum effects on intestinal barrier function and immune status.Evidence from laboratory and farm production animals strongly supports dietary supplementation with additional nutrients and nutraceuticals,however research in horses remains scarce and inconclusive.Careful consideration of the outcome desired for horses in care,together with the types of nutraceuticals available,is needed to develop effective strategies for maintenance of healthy intestinal barrier function and for treatment of various leaky gut syndromes in horses.This review presents these issues in the context of what is known about the effects of nutraceutical-type nutrients on the mammalian(including equine)g.i.tract and intestinal microbiome with the aim of providing suggestions for the equine situation.

Biological Active Components of Selected Medical Fungi

According to official data, about 2000 mushrooms belong to the category of medical mushrooms, while over 600 have already confirmed medical properties. The aim and task of this work were to collect, analyze and process scientific and expert data of biologically active components of selected Basidiomycetes fungi: Letinula edodes, Ganoderma Lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Trametes versicolor and Inonotus obliquus. Areas of fungi therapy and the search for new immunomodulatory agents are far from being restricted to these species alone, however, these five may serve as typical representatives of widespread medicinal fungi used in both traditional medicine and modern biomedical research. Their biologically active components have different pharmacological effects, and beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are recognized as immunomodulators, are of particular importance. Many of the fungal beta-glucans tested have switched to pharmaceuticals such as Lentinan, Sonifilan, Krestin and GanoPoly, which speaks to their pharmacological and research potential. Citing the results of scientific advances in the last two decades, the results of preclinical tests and the results of clinical studies can confirm that supplementation with medical fungi can increase treatment success or mitigate the negative side effects of different therapies. A long-term weakened immune system is a risk factor for malignancies, so it can be concluded that disease prevention is beneficial for each individual and deserves the same attention paid to treating the disease.

漂白针叶木浆酶促打浆效果的研究

研究了纤维素酶和β-葡聚糖酶的预处理对节约打浆能耗的影响,通过测定纸浆的黏度、保水值、还原糖含量以及纸张的强度性能来反映酶处理纸浆的效果。结果表明,酶处理的确可以有助于节约打浆能耗,提高纸浆的滤水性能,增加纤维的保水值。同时,纸张的强度性能也得到改善。

Sperm quality improvement after natural anti-oxidant treatment of asthenoteratospermic men with leukocytospermia

Aim： To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods： Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient＇s treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results： After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm （17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5） and total progressive motility （19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8） were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded （2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2）. Conclusion： The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. （Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10： 201-206）

Serum 1,3-beta-D-glucan as a noninvasive test to predict histologic activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND 1,3-beta-D-glucan(BG)is a ubiquitous cell wall component of gut microorganisms.We hypothesized that the serum levels of BG could reflect active intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.AIM To determine whether the serum BG concentrations correlate with intestinal inflammation.METHODS A prospective observational study was performed in a tertiary referral center,from 2016 to 2019,in which serum BG was determined in 115 patients with Crohn’s disease(CD),51 with ulcerative colitis(UC),and 82 controls using a photometric detection kit.Inflammatory activity was determined by ileocolonoscopy,histopathology,magnetic resonance enterography,and biomarkers,including fecal calprotectin(FC),C-reactive protein,and a panel of cytokines.The ability of BG to detect active vs inactive disease was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.In subgroup analysis,serial BG was used to assess the response to therapeutic interventions.RESULTS The serum BG levels were higher in CD patients than in controls(P=0.0001).The BG levels paralleled the endoscopic activity in CD patients and histologic activity and combined endoscopic and histologic activity in both CD and UC patients.The area under the curve(AUC)in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict endoscopic activity was 0.694[95%confidence interval(CI):0.60-0.79;P=0.001]in CD,and 0.662(95%CI:0.51-0.81;P=0.066)in UC patients.The AUC in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict histologic activity was 0.860(95%CI:0.77-0.95;P<0.001)in CD,and 0.786(95%CI:0.57-0.99;P=0.015)in UC patients.The cut-off values of BG for both endoscopic and histologic activity were 60μg/mL in CD,and 40μg/mL in UC patients.Performance analysis showed that the results based on BG of 40 and 60μg/mL were more specific for predicting endoscopic activity(71.8%and 87.2%for CD;and 87.5%and 87.5%for UC,respectively)than FC(53.3%and 66.7%for CD;and 20%and 80%for UC,respectively);and also histologic activity(60.5%and 76.3%for CD;and 90.0%and 95.0%for UC,respectively)than FC(41.7%and 50.0%for CD;and 25%and 50%for UC,respectively).Regarding the clinical,endoscopic,and histologic activities,the BG levels were reduced following therapeutic intervention in patients with CD(P<0.0001)and UC(P=0.003).Compared with endoscopic(AUC:0.693;P=0.002)and histologic(AUC:0.868;P<0.001)activity,no significant correlation was found between serum BG and transmural healing based on magnetic resonance enterography(AUC:0.576;P=0.192).Positive correlations were detected between BG and IL-17 in the CD(r:0.737;P=0.001)and the UC group(r:0.574;P=0.005),and between BG and interferon-gamma in the CD group(r:0.597;P=0.015).CONCLUSION Serum BG may represent an important novel noninvasive approach for detecting mucosal inflammation and therapeutically monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases,particularly in CD.

Efficacy of multigrain supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus:A pilot study protocol for a randomized intervention trial

BACKGROUND Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)may lead to microvascular complications(nephropathy,retinopathy,and neuropathy)and cardiovascular diseases.The beta-glucan content in grains has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity,lowering postprandial glucose response and reducing inflammation degrees.A proper combination of grains not only satisfies human body’s need,but also provides essential and reasonable nutritional contents.However,no trial has been conducted to evaluate the roles of multigrain in T2DM.AIM To determine the efficacy of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients.METHODS From October 2020 to June 2021,a total of 50 adults living with T2DM,who were receiving standard diabetes care at Day Care Clinic,were randomized into either a supplementation group or a control group.The supplementation group received twice daily 30 g multigrain supplement(equivalent to 3.4 g beta-glucan)with standard medication for 12 wk,while the control group was prescribed with standard medication.Parameters such as glycemic control(HbA1c,FPG,and HOMO-IR),cardiometabolic profile(lipid profile,renal function test,and liver function test),oxidative stress status,nutritional status,and quality of life(QoL)were assessed at two time points:Baseline and the end of the treatment period(week 12).RESULTS The primary outcomes were the mean difference of glycated haemoglobin(%),fasting plasma glucose,and serum insulin as intervention effects.Secondary outcomes included the measurement of cardiometabolic profile,antioxidative and oxidative stress status,nutritional status indices,and QoL.Tertiary outcomes involved the determination of safety and tolerability,and supplementation compliance.CONCLUSION The present clinical trial will reveal the effectiveness of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients for the improvement of diabetes management.

The Comparison of the Effect of Oat and Shiitake Mushroom Powder to Prevent Body Weight Gain in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

Preventing obesity could be done by lowering plasma TAG that inhibits adipogenesis. Oat and mushroom beta-glucans in the diet has been reported to lower plasma lipid;however the data focusing on their effects on TAG and obesity are insufficient. In the present study, lowering plasma triacylglycerol, fat deposition, body weight gain (BWG) in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD) was evaluated. Rats in the control group were given HFD only and rats in the treatment group fed HFD enriched with 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.8% (wt:wt) beta-glucan from oats (LD-O, MD-O, HD-O) or mushroom (LD-M, MD-M, HD-M). After 6 weeks dietary intervention, the rats fed HD-M showed significantly lower plasma TAG, total fat mass, white adipose tissue, inguinal fat and BWG level more than HD-O treated rats (p < 0.05). The underlying mechanism in lowering plasma TAG, fat pad masses and BWG in HD-M was increasing ratio of fat faecal to faecal weight which was significantly higher than HD-O (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the preventing obesity via lowering plasma TAG and fat deposition was different depending on beta-glucan origin, either from oats and Shiitake mushroom.

The Positive Effects of Proprietary Undenatured B-Glucans on Growing Pigs

Beta-glucan that is typically isolated from the fungi or yeast, by solvent extraction, is a commonly used supplement. However, the solvent extraction of beta-glucan from these sources destroys the tertiary structure of the compound, and reduces the immuno-stimulating efficacy of the denatured beta-glucan when compared to undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG1). The objective of this study was to investigate growth performance of piglets, from weaning, that received diets containing undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG) for the following four weeks (up to an average live weight of 26.4 kg). The study was conducted with 128 Noroc pigs from 24 litters at the experimental pig house of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. There were four dietary treatments;one group was fed a control diet containing no UDBG, three other groups were fed a diet containing 0.02 mg UDBG/kg, 0.2 mg UDBG/kg;or 2.0 mg UDBG/kg. In week 1 - 2, the pigs fed 2.0 mg UDBG per kg of feed gained 12% faster than the control diet. The numerical increase in weight gain during the first period after weaning is indicative of an improved immune status of the piglets fed the higher inclusion levels of the UDBG diets. Additionally, the piglets fed the highest level of UDBG (2.0 mg/kg) were found to have a better viability compared to the other groups, as determined by the Veterinary staff. No clinical problems related to the dietary treatments were observed. The animals revealed good growth and an average daily gain (ADG) for all pigs were 559 g for the overall experimental period. The growth performance was calculated for the two first weeks of the study, the remaining last two weeks of the study, and for the overall four-week experimental period. Significant effects of UDBG on weight gain and feed intake were found during the early weeks, but diminished later in the trial. The addition of UBDG to diets had a significant positive effect on several blood hematological parameters including the index of anisocytis, neutrophilic granulocytes, and lymphocytes. A significant positive linear effect of increasing dietary levels of UBDG was also found for hemoglobin and hematocrit.

The Positive Effects of Proprietary Undenatured β-Glucans on Stressed Marine Life

The safety of beta-glucans, including undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG), has been exhaustively studied over the recent past and has shown to be safe and efficacious in rodents as well as in humans with less than optimal immune systems. As such, we sought to find the effect of UDBG on certainly stressed crustaceans and fish. The survival of shrimp larvae fed the UDBG and other diets was measured on day 16. The diet containing 11.7% UDBG reduced larvae mortality by 18%;which is almost twice as much as the mortality reduced by the MacroGard diet, and up to 19.5% less than a standard Commercial Diet. In an effort to understand how UDBG protects against stressed marine life, UDBG was given to LPS-challenged trout. The UDBG positively influenced the level of transcription of several genes relevant to the immune system and overall health of the trout. The experimental findings indicated that UDBG: 1) modifies inflammatory responses, 2) makes responses more flexible and versatile, 3) protects from cellular stress, and 4) enhances “effector” mechanisms. Importantly, there was no evidence of immune system over-activity.

Diet medication and beta-glucanase affect ileal digesta soluble betaglucan molecular weight,carbohydrate fermentation,and performance of coccidiosis vaccinated broiler chickens given wheatbased diets

Exogenous enzymes as alternatives to feed antibiotics in poultry has become an emerging research area with the emergence of antibiotic resistance.The objective was to evaluate the effects of diet medication(antibiotics)andβ-glucanase(BGase)on digesta solubleβ-glucan depolymerization,carbohydrate fermentation,and performance of coccidiosis-vaccinated broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets.A total of 1,782 broilers were raised on litter floor pens,and each treatment was assigned to 1 pen in each of the9 rooms.The 3 dietary treatments were based on wheat as the sole grain(control,control+medication and control+0.1%BGase),and the birds were fed the respective treatments ad libitum from 0 to 33 d.Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and analyzed as a one-way ANOVA.Beta-glucanase reduced the peak molecular weight,weight average molecular weight(Mw)and maximum molecular weight for the smallest 10%β-glucan molecules(MW-10%)in ileal digesta at d 11and 33,whereas diet medication reduced Mw and MW-10%at d 33 compared to the control(P<0.01).Beta-glucanase and medication reduced the ileal viscosity at d 11 compared to the control(P=0.010).Ileal propionic acid concentration at d 11 and caecal total SCFA,acetic,and butyric acid concentrations at d 33 were lower in the BGase-supplemented diet than in the control(P<0.05).The BGase-added diet had higher duodenal p H compared to the control at d 33(P=0.026).The effect of medication on carbohydrate fermentation was minimal.Diet medication increased weight gain after d 11,whereas BGase increased the gain for the total trial period compared to the control(P<0.001).Feed intake was not affected by the dietary treatment.Medication and BGase improved feed efficiency after d 11 compared to the control(P<0.001).The response to diet medication was larger than BGase,considering weight gain and feed efficiency after d 11(P<0.001).In conclusion,diet medication and BGase depolymerized high molecular weight ileal solubleβ-glucan and increased overall bird performance.Dietary BGase may benefit bird health in broilers fed wheat-based diets without medication.

Major cereal carbohydrates in relation to intestinal health of monogastric animals:A review

Type,quality,and origin of cereals in diets of poultry and pigs could influence gut microbes and affect their diversity and function,thereby impacting the intestinal function of the monogastric animal.In this review,we focus on the major carbohydrates in cereals that interact directly with gut microbes and lead to the production of key metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids(SCFA),and discuss how cereal fiber impact intestinal health of poultry and pigs.An overview of how the cereals and cereals-derived carbohydrates such as beta-glucans,resistant starch,cellulose,and arabinoxylans could promote intestinal health and reduce the use of in-feed antibiotics in animal production are presented.The metabolic pathway utilized by microbes and the mechanism of action underlying the produced SCFA on intestinal health of monogastric animals is also discussed.

A water-soluble β-glucan improves growth performance by altering gut microbiome and health in weaned pigs

Beta-glucan has been shown to have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal health.This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects ofβ-glucan isolated from Agrobacterium sp.ZX09 on growth performance and intestinal health of weaning pigs.A total of 108 weaned pigs(21 d of age;6.05±0.36 kg)were randomly divided into 3 groups(6 pens/group;6 pigs/pen),and the groups were each treated with the following diets:1)basal diet,2)basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg olaquindox,3)basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kgβ-glucan,for 21 d.Compared with the control group,pigs fed with200 mg/kgβ-glucan had greaterBW,average daily gain and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio(P<0.05).Olaquindox increased the duodenal or jejunal villus height of pigs compared withβ-glucan.Compared with the control group,β-glucan tended to increase the occludin mRNA expression in the jejunum(0.05<P<0.10).Beta-glucan enriched the beneficial microbiota in the ileum of pigs(P<0.05).In conclusion,β-glucan may promote growth performance by improving intestinal health and increasing beneficial microbiota of weaned pigs.The study results will provide valuable theoretical guidance for the utilization ofβ-glucan in weaned pigs.