NOW Foods Beta 1,3/1,6- D -Glucan 100 mg - 90 Vcaps®

Immune response relies on the stimulation of macrophages – white blood cells that scour the body on search and destroy missions targeting harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, these “special forces” are not always on duty - they must first be activated. And that’s the role of beta-glucans. They give the “go order” to the body’s macrophages. The more beta-glucans in the system, the more macrophages will be called into action. NOW Beta 1-3 Glucan formula is comprised of the most concentrated sources available – Saccharomyces Cerevisae (the inner cell walls of baker’s yeast) and Maitake mushroom. As research evolves, consumers are increasingly turning to beta-glucans to give their immune function added firepower.*

06.10.05 -- Beta Glucans

By Lou DeMers and Neil Levin, NOW Quality Assurance, June 2, 2005

Immune response relies on the stimulation of macrophages – white blood cells that scour the body on ‘search and destroy’ missions targeting harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, these “Special Forces” are not always on duty - they must first be activated. And that’s the role of beta-glucans. They give the “go order” to the body’s macrophages. The more beta-glucans in the system, the more macrophages will be called into action. *

TECHNICAL TALK ABOUT BETA GLUCANS

Polysaccharides containing D-glucose as the only monomer are commonly referred to as D-glucans. Starches, Glycogen and Cellulose are chemically ‘glucans’; but the glucose molecules are 1,4-linked and are not the immuno-stimulant type of “glucans”.

The immunostimulatory b-glucans however, are those in which the glucose molecules are 1,3-linked, and are commonly known as b-glucans. When the b-1,3-linkage glucose molecules have branches attached in position 6 of the glucose in the backbone chain, they are defined as the b-1,3/1,6-D-glucans. These glucans exist in foods such as oats, barley, and some medicinal mushrooms but the NOW Foods’ product is derived from the cell walls of Baker’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Polysaccharide tests have been designed to distinguish between the different types of glucose linkages, and therefore make it possible to identify the type of glucan in question. NOW Foods utilizes such testing to ensure its customers are receiving the immuno-stimulatory b-glucan with the appropriate activity.

Nutrition Info
Serving Size: 1 Vcap®
Servings Per Container: 90

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Beta - 1,3/1,6 -D- Glucan powder (min.60%) (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 100 mg *

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) 160 mg *

* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.

Serving Size: 1 Vcap®
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one Vcap® daily.

Free of: wheat, corn, soy, milk, salt, preservatives, colors, synthetics.