Beta 1,3-Glucans

Source

Beta-glucans are soluble fibers derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants such as oat and barley. Mymmunity uses Yeast-Derived Beta Glucan.

Chemical Name

1-3,1-6-beta-glucan

Immune support

Beta-1, 3-Glucan is a “biological response modifier”, antioxidant, and exerts broad spectrum defense against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. 

Other uses

B-1, 3-Glucan is also used in treatment of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Taking beta-glucans made from oats or barley seems to reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol after several weeks of treatment. The typical dose used is 3-10 grams daily.

How it works

Beta-glucans are sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants, such as oats and barley. They are sometimes used as medicine.


Beta-glucans are taken by mouth for high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, and canker sores. Beta-glucans are also taken by mouth to boost the immune system in people whose body defenses have been weakened by conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome; physical and emotional stress; or by treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. Beta-glucans are also taken by mouth for colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, respiratory tract infections, allergies, hepatitis, Lyme disease, asthma, ear infections, aging, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, pain after surgery, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.


People apply beta-glucans to the skin for dermatitis, eczema, wrinkles, bedsores, wounds, burns, diabetic ulcers, and radiation burns.


Healthcare providers sometimes give beta-glucans by IV (intravenously) or by injection into the muscle to treat cancer and to boost the immune system in people with HIV/AIDS and AIDS-related conditions. Beta-glucans are also given by IV to prevent infection in people after surgery.


Healthcare providers sometimes give beta-glucans by a shot under the skin (subcutaneously) for treating and reducing the size of skin tumors resulting from cancer that has spread.

In manufacturing, beta-glucans are used as a food additive in products such as salad dressings, frozen desserts, sour cream, and cheese spreads.

Safety

Beta-glucans are LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods.

Beta-glucans are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied topically to the skin, used intravenously (by IV), or injected into the muscle in medicinal amounts for a short time period.

There have been no reported side effects from taking beta-glucans by mouth. When applied topically, beta-glucans can cause skin rash. When used by injection, beta-glucans can cause chills, fever, pain at the injection site, headache, back and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, high or low blood pressure, flushing, rashes, tiredness, decreased number of white blood cells, and increased urine.


Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of beta-glucans during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

AIDS/HIV or AIDS-related complex (ARC): Thick patches of skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (keratoderma) can develop in people with AIDS/HIV or ARC who receive beta-glucans made from yeast. The condition can start during the first 2 weeks of treatment and then disappear 2 to 4 weeks after use of beta-glucans stops.

Interactions with medications

Indomethacin

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Taking beta -glucans with the drug indomethacin might increase the risk developing for life-threatening side effects to indomethacin. Until more is known about this potential interaction, be cautious when taking beta -glucans with indomethacin.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.


Beta-glucans might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking beta-glucans along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. However, it is not known if this is a big concern. Do not take too much beta-glucans if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.


Beta-glucans increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, beta-glucans might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Interactions with Herbs, Supplements, and Foods

Beta-glucans might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs and supplements that have this same effect might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in some people. Some of these products include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.

There are no known interactions with foods.

References

Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.

The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.

Gerhardt AL, Gallo NB. Full-fat rice bran and oat bran similarly reduce hypercholesterolemia in humans. J Nutr 1998;128:865-9.

Durk H, Haase K, Saal J, et al. Nephrotic syndrome after injections of bovine cartilage and marrow extract. [letter] Lancet 1989;1:614.

Ashar B, Vargo E. Shark cartilage-induced hepatitis [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:780-1.

Davy BM, Melby CL, Beske SD, et al. Oat consumption does not affect resting casual and ambulatory 24-h arterial blood pressure in men with high-normal blood pressure to stage I hypertension. J Nutr 2002;132:394-8..

Borchers AT, Stern JS, Hackman RM, et al. Mushrooms, tumors, and immunity. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;221:281-293.

Ooi VE, Liu F. Immunomodulation and anti-cancer activity of polysaccharide-protein complexes. Curr Med Chem 2000;7:715-29.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Brown L, Rosner B, Willett WW, Sacks FM. Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:30-42.

Pick ME, Hawrysh ZJ, Gee MI, et al. Oat bran concentrate bread products improve long-term control of diabetes: a pilot study. J Am Diet Assoc 1996;96:1254-61.

Wood PJ, Braaten JT, Scott FW, et al. Effect of dose and modification of viscous properties of oat gum on plasma glucose and insulin following an oral glucose load. Br J Nutr 1994;72:731-43.

Davidson MH, Dugan LD, Burns JH, et al. The hypocholesterolemic effects of beta-glucan in oatmeal and oat bran. JAMA 1991;265:1833-9.

Lovegrove JA, Clohessy A, Milon H, et al. Modest doses of beta-glucan do not reduce concentrations of potentially atherogenic lipoproteins. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:49-55.

Braaten JT, Wood PJ, Scott FW, et al. Oat beta-glucan reduces blood cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr 1994;48:465-74.

Ross GD, Vetvicka V, Yan J, et al. Therapeutic intervention with complement and beta-glucan in cancer. Immunopharmacology 1999;42:61-74.

Muller A, Rice PJ, Ensley HE, et al. Receptor binding and internalization of a water-soluble (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan biologic response modifier in two monocyte/macrophage cell lines. J Immunol 1996;156:3418-25.

Yan J, Vetvicka V, Xia Y, et al. Beta-glucan, a "specific" biologic response modifier that uses antibodies to target tumors for cytotoxic recognition by leukocyte complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18). J Immunol 1999;163:3045-52.

Penna C, Dean PA, Nelson H. Pulmonary metastases neutralization and tumor rejection by in vivo administration of beta glucan and bispecific antibody. Int J Cancer 1996;65:377-382.

Williams DL, Pretus HA, McNamee RB, et al. Development, physicochemical characterization and preclinical efficacy evaluation of a water soluble glucan sulfate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Immunopharmacology 1991;22:139-55.

Mueller A, Raptis J, Rice PJ, et al. The influence of glucan polymer structure and solution conformation on binding to (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan receptors in a human monocyte-like cell line. Glycobiology 2000;10:339-46.

Sherwood ER, Williams DL, McNamee RB, et al. Enhancement of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 production by soluble glucan. Int J Immunopharmacol 1987;9:261-7.

Portera CA, Love EJ, Memore L, et al. Effect of macrophage stimulation on collagen biosynthesis in the healing wound. Am Surg 1997;63:125-31.

Liang J, Melican D, Cafro L, et al. Enhanced clearance of a multiple antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus in rats treated with PGG-glucan is associated with increased leukocyte counts and increased neutrophil oxidative burst activity. Int J Immunopharmacol 1998;20:595-614.

Wakshull E, Brunke-Reese D, Lindermuth J, et al. PGG-Glucan, a soluble beta-(1,3)-glucan, enhances the oxidative burst response, microbicidal activity, and activates an NF-kappa B-like factor in human PMN: evidence for a glycosphingolipid beta-(1,3)-glucan receptor. Immunopharmacology 1999;4:89-107.

Tsiapali E, Whaley S, Kalbfleisch J, et al. Glucans exhibit weak antioxidant activity, but stimulate macrophage free radical activity. Free Radic Biol Med 2001;30:393-402.

Williams DL, Sherwood ER, Browder IW, et al. Pre-clinical safety evaluation of soluble glucan. Int J Immunopharmacol 1988;10;405-14.

Duvic M, Reisman M, Finley V, et al. Glucan-induced keratoderma in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Dermatol 1987;123:751-6.

Yoshioka S, Ohno N, Miura T, et al. Immunotoxicity of soluble beta-glucans induced by indomethacin treatment. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 1998;21:171-179.

Okamura K, Suzuki M, Chihara T, et al. Clinical evaluation of schizophyllan combined with irradiation in patients with cervical cancer. A randomized controlled study. Cancer 1986;58:865-72.

Kimura Y, Tojima H, Fukase S, Takeda K. Clinical evaluation of sizofilan as assistant immunotherapy in treatment of head and neck cancer. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 1994;511:192-5.

Miyazaki K, Mizutani H, Katabuchi H, et al. Activated (HLA-DR+) T-lymphocyte subsets in cervical carcinoma and effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy with sizofiran on cell-mediated immunity and survival. Gynecol Oncol 1995;56:412-40.

Arinaga S, Karimine N, Takamuku K, et al. Enhanced induction of lymphokine-activated killer activity after lentinan administration in patients with gastric carcinoma. Int J Immunopharmac 1992;14:535-539.

Matsuoka H, Seo Y, Wakasugi H, et al. Lentinan potentiates immunity and prolongs the survival time of some patients. Anticancer Res 1997;17:2751-5.

Gordon M, Bihari B, Goosby E, et al. A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trial. J Med 1998;29:305-30.

Browder W, Williams D, Pretus H, et al. Beneficial effect of enhanced macrophage function in the trauma patient. Ann Surg 1990;211:605-12; discussion 612-3.

Babineau TJ, Marcello P, Swails W, et al. Randomized phase I/II trial of a macrophage-specific immunomodulator (PGG-glucan) in high-risk surgical patients. Ann Surg 1994;220:601-9.

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. Arch Surg 1994;129:1204-10.

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. Betafectin Gastrointestinal Study Group. Arch Surg 1999;134:977-83.

Nicolosi R, Bell SJ, Bistrian BR, et al. Plasma lipid changes after supplementation with beta-glucan fiber from yeast. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:208-12.

Bell S, Goldman VM, Bistrian BR, et al. Effect of beta-glucan from oats and yeast on serum lipids. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1999;39:189-202.

Van Horn L, Liu K, Gerber J, et al. Oats and soy in lipid-lowering diets for women with hypercholesterolemia: is there synergy? J Am Diet Assoc 2001;101:1319-25.

Kerckhoffs DA, Hornstra G, Mensink RP. Cholesterol-lowering effect of beta-glucan from oat bran in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects may decrease when beta-glucan is incorporated into bread and cookies. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:221-7..

Keogh GF, Cooper GJ, Mulvey TB, et al. Randomized controlled crossover study of the effect of a highly beta-glucan-enriched barley on cardiovascular disease risk factors in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:711-18.

Lupton JR, Robinson MC, Morin JL. Cholesterol-lowering effect of barley bran flour and oil. J Am Diet Assoc 1994;94:65-70..

Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Hallfrisch J. Lipids significantly reduced by diets containing barley in moderately hypercholesterolemic men. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23:55-62.

AbuMweis SS, Jew S, Ames NP. Beta-glucan from barley and its lipid-lowering capacity: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr 2010;64:1472-80.

Behall, K. M., Scholfield, D. J., and Hallfrisch, J. Diets containing barley significantly reduce lipids in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2004;80(5):1185-1193.

Casiraghi, M. C., Garsetti, M., Testolin, G., and Brighenti, F. Post-prandial responses to cereal products enriched with barley beta-glucan. J Am Coll.Nutr 2006;25(4):313-320.

Poppitt, S. D., van Drunen, J. D., McGill, A. T., Mulvey, T. B., and Leahy, F. E. Supplementation of a high-carbohydrate breakfast with barley beta-glucan improves postprandial glycaemic response for meals but not beverages. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16(1):16-24.

Keenan, J. M., Goulson, M., Shamliyan, T., Knutson, N., Kolberg, L., and Curry, L. The effects of concentrated barley beta-glucan on blood lipids in a population of hypercholesterolaemic men and women. Br J Nutr 2007;97(6):1162-1168.

Shimizu, C., Kihara, M., Aoe, S., Araki, S., Ito, K., Hayashi, K., Watari, J., Sakata, Y., and Ikegami, S. Effect of high beta-glucan barley on serum cholesterol concentrations and visceral fat area in Japanese men--a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 2008;63(1):21-25.

Nilsson, A. C., Ostman, E. M., Holst, J. J., and Bjorck, I. M. Including indigestible carbohydrates in the evening meal of healthy subjects improves glucose tolerance, lowers inflammatory markers, and increases satiety after a subsequent standardized breakfast. J.Nutr. 2008;138(4):732-739.

McIntosh, G. H., Whyte, J., McArthur, R., and Nestel, P. J. Barley and wheat foods: influence on plasma cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1205-1209.

Smith, K. N., Queenan, K. M., Thomas, W., Fulcher, R. G., and Slavin, J. L. Physiological effects of concentrated barley beta-glucan in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 2008;27(3):434-440.

Peters, H. P., Boers, H. M., Haddeman, E., Melnikov, S. M., and Qvyjt, F. No effect of added beta-glucan or of fructooligosaccharide on appetite or energy intake. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2009;89(1):58-63.

Liljeberg, H. G., Granfeldt, Y. E., and Bjorck, I. M. Products based on a high fiber barley genotype, but not on common barley or oats, lower postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy humans. J.Nutr. 1996;126(2):458-466.

Bourdon, I., Yokoyama, W., Davis, P., Hudson, C., Backus, R., Richter, D., Knuckles, B., and Schneeman, B. O. Postprandial lipid, glucose, insulin, and cholecystokinin responses in men fed barley pasta enriched with beta-glucan. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 1999;69(1):55-63.

Cleary, J. A., Kelly, G. E., and Husband, A. J. The effect of molecular weight and beta-1,6-linkages on priming of macrophage function in mice by (1,3)-beta-D-glucan. Immunol Cell Biol 1999;77(5):395-403.

Onning, G., Wallmark, A., Persson, M., Akesson, B., Elmstahl, S., and Oste, R. Consumption of oat milk for 5 weeks lowers serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in free-living men with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Ann.Nutr.Metab 1999;43(5):301-309.

Delatte, S. J., Evans, J., Hebra, A., Adamson, W., Othersen, H. B., and Tagge, E. P. Effectiveness of beta-glucan collagen for treatment of partial-thickness burns in children. J.Pediatr.Surg. 2001;36(1):113-118.

Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129.

Rami, B., Zidek, T., and Schober, E. Influence of a beta-glucan-enriched bedtime snack on nocturnal blood glucose levels in diabetic children. J.Pediatr.Gastroenterol.Nutr. 2001;32(1):34-36.

Battilana, P., Ornstein, K., Minehira, K., Schwarz, J. M., Acheson, K., Schneiter, P., Burri, J., Jequier, E., and Tappy, L. Mechanisms of action of beta-glucan in postprandial glucose metabolism in healthy men. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2001;55(5):327-333.

Takahashi, H., Ohno, N., Adachi, Y., and Yadomae, T. Association of immunological disorders in lethal side effect of NSAIDs on beta-glucan-administered mice. FEMS Immunol.Med.Microbiol. 2001;31(1):1-14.

Juntunen, K. S., Niskanen, L. K., Liukkonen, K. H., Poutanen, K. S., Holst, J. J., and Mykkanen, H. M. Postprandial glucose, insulin, and incretin responses to grain products in healthy subjects. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;75(2):254-262.

Jenkins, D. J., Kendall, C. W., Vuksan, V., Vidgen, E., Parker, T., Faulkner, D., Mehling, C. C., Garsetti, M., Testolin, G., Cunnane, S. C., Ryan, M. A., and Corey, P. N. 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. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;75(5):834-839.

Pins, J. J., Geleva, D., Keenan, J. M., Frazel, C., O'Connor, P. J., and Cherney, L. M. Do whole-grain oat cereals reduce the need for antihypertensive medications and improve blood pressure control? J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):353-359.

Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.

Kabir, M., Oppert, J. M., Vidal, H., Bruzzo, F., Fiquet, C., Wursch, P., Slama, G., and Rizkalla, S. W. Four-week low-glycemic index breakfast with a modest amount of soluble fibers in type 2 diabetic men. Metabolism 2002;51(7):819-826.

Jenkins, A. L., Jenkins, D. J., Zdravkovic, U., Wursch, P., and Vuksan, V. Depression of the glycemic index by high levels of beta-glucan fiber in two functional foods tested in type 2 diabetes. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;56(7):622-628.

Davy, B. M., Davy, K. P., Ho, R. C., Beske, S. D., Davrath, L. R., and Melby, C. L. High-fiber oat cereal compared with wheat cereal consumption favorably alters LDL-cholesterol subclass and particle numbers in middle-aged and older men. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;76(2):351-358.

Andersson, M., Ellegard, L., and Andersson, H. Oat bran stimulates bile acid synthesis within 8 h as measured by 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;76(5):1111-1116.

Yun, C. H., Estrada, A., Van Kessel, A., Park, B. C., and Laarveld, B. Beta-glucan, extracted from oat, enhances disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections. FEMS Immunol.Med.Microbiol. 1-21-2003;35(1):67-75.

Maki, K. C., Shinnick, F., Seeley, M. A., Veith, P. E., Quinn, L. C., Hallissey, P. J., Temer, A., and Davidson, M. H. Food products containing free tall oil-based phytosterols and oat beta-glucan lower serum total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults. J.Nutr. 2003;133(3):808-813.

Young, S. H., Robinson, V. A., Barger, M., Frazer, D. G., Castranova, V., and Jacobs, R. Partially opened triple helix is the biologically active conformation of 1 &rarr3-beta-glucans that induces pulmonary inflammation in rats. J.Toxicol.Environ.Health A 3-28-2003;66(6):551-564.

Uusitupa, M. I., Ruuskanen, E., Makinen, E., Laitinen, J., Toskala, E., Kervinen, K., and Kesaniemi, Y. A. A controlled study on the effect of beta-glucan-rich oat bran on serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic subjects: relation to apolipoprotein E phenotype. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 1992;11(6):651-659.

Hiss, S. and Sauerwein, H. Influence of dietary ss-glucan on growth performance, lymphocyte proliferation, specific immune response and haptoglobin plasma concentrations in pigs. J.Anim Physiol Anim Nutr.(Berl) 2003;87(1-2):2-11.

Howarth, N. C., Saltzman, E., McCrory, M. A., Greenberg, A. S., Dwyer, J., Ausman, L., Kramer, D. G., and Roberts, S. B. Fermentable and nonfermentable fiber supplements did not alter hunger, satiety or body weight in a pilot study of men and women consuming self-selected diets. J.Nutr. 2003;133(10):3141-3144.

Reyna, N. Y., Cano, C., Bermudez, V. J., Medina, M. T., Souki, A. J., Ambard, M., Nunez, M., Ferrer, M. A., and Inglett, G. E. Sweeteners and beta-glucans improve metabolic and anthropometrics variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients. Am.J Ther. 2003;10(6):438-443.

Li, J., Kaneko, T., Qin, L. Q., Wang, J., and Wang, Y. Effects of barley intake on glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and bowel function in women. Nutrition 2003;19(11-12):926-929.

Chrouser, K. L., Fick, F., Goel, A., Itano, N. B., Sweat, S. D., and Lightner, D. J. Carbon coated zirconium beads in beta-glucan gel and bovine glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen injections for intrinsic sphincter deficiency: continence and satisfaction after extended followup. J.Urol. 2004;171(3):1152-1155.

Frank, J., Sundberg, B., Kamal-Eldin, A., Vessby, B., and Aman, P. Yeast-leavened oat breads with high or low molecular weight beta-glucan do not differ in their effects on blood concentrations of lipids, insulin, or glucose in humans. J.Nutr. 2004;134(6):1384-1388.

Hong, F., Yan, J., Baran, J. T., Allendorf, D. J., Hansen, R. D., Ostroff, G. R., Xing, P. X., Cheung, N. K., and Ross, G. D. Mechanism by which orally administered beta-1,3-glucans enhance the tumoricidal activity of antitumor monoclonal antibodies in murine tumor models. J Immunol 7-15-2004;173(2):797-806.

Tsikitis, V. L., Albina, J. E., and Reichner, J. S. Beta-glucan affects leukocyte navigation in a complex chemotactic gradient. Surgery 2004;136(2):384-389.

Behall, K. M., Scholfield, D. J., and Hallfrisch, J. Comparison of hormone and glucose responses of overweight women to barley and oats. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 2005;24(3):182-188.

Robitaille, J., Fontaine-Bisson, B., Couture, P., Tchernof, A., and Vohl, M. C. Effect of an oat bran-rich supplement on the metabolic profile of overweight premenopausal women. Ann.Nutr.Metab 2005;49(3):141-148.

Karmally, W., Montez, M. G., Palmas, W., Martinez, W., Branstetter, A., Ramakrishnan, R., Holleran, S. F., Haffner, S. M., and Ginsberg, H. N. Cholesterol-lowering benefits of oat-containing cereal in Hispanic americans. J.Am.Diet.Assoc. 2005;105(6):967-970.

Biorklund, M., van, Rees A., Mensink, R. P., and Onning, G. Changes in serum lipids and postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations after consumption of beverages with beta-glucans from oats or barley: a randomised dose-controlled trial. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2005;59(11):1272-1281.

Tapola, N., Karvonen, H., Niskanen, L., Mikola, M., and Sarkkinen, E. Glycemic responses of oat bran products in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutr.Metab Cardiovasc.Dis. 2005;15(4):255-261.

Chen, J., He, J., Wildman, R. P., Reynolds, K., Streiffer, R. H., and Whelton, P. K. A randomized controlled trial of dietary fiber intake on serum lipids. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2006;60(1):62-68.

Naumann, E., van Rees, A. B., Onning, G., Oste, R., Wydra, M., and Mensink, R. P. Beta-glucan incorporated into a fruit drink effectively lowers serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;83(3):601-605.

Nimura, H., Mitsumori, N., Takahashi, N., Kashimura, H., Takayama, S., Kashiwagi, H., and Yanaga, K. [S-1 combined with lentinan in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 2006;33 Suppl 1:106-109.

Aarsaether, E., Rydningen, M., Einar, Engstad R., and Busund, R. Cardioprotective effect of pretreatment with beta-glucan in coronary artery bypass grafting. Scand Cardiovasc.J 2006;40(5):298-304.

Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress in men and women with elevated blood pressure. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007;61(6):786-795.

Makelainen, H., Anttila, H., Sihvonen, J., Hietanen, R. M., Tahvonen, R., Salminen, E., Mikola, M., and Sontag-Strohm, T. The effect of beta-glucan on the glycemic and insulin index. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007;61(6):779-785.

Demir, G., Klein, H. O., Mandel-Molinas, N., and Tuzuner, N. Beta glucan induces proliferation and activation of monocytes in peripheral blood of patients with advanced breast cancer. Int Immunopharmacol. 2007;7(1):113-116.

Theuwissen, E. and Mensink, R. P. Simultaneous intake of beta-glucan and plant stanol esters affects lipid metabolism in slightly hypercholesterolemic subjects. J Nutr 2007;137(3):583-588.

Queenan, K. M., Stewart, M. L., Smith, K. N., Thomas, W., Fulcher, R. G., and Slavin, J. L. Concentrated oat beta-glucan, a fermentable fiber, lowers serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults in a randomized controlled trial. Nutr.J. 2007;6:6.

Pazos, C., Moragues, M. D., Quindos, G., Ponton, J., and del Palacio, A. Diagnostic potential of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan and anti-Candida albicans germ tube antibodies for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of invasive candidiasis in neutropenic adult patients. Rev Iberoam.Micol. 2006;23(4):209-215.

Reyna-Villasmil, N., Bermudez-Pirela, V., Mengual-Moreno, E., Arias, N., Cano-Ponce, C., Leal-Gonzalez, E., Souki, A., Inglett, G. E., Israili, Z. H., Hernandez-Hernandez, R., Valasco, M., and Arraiz, N. Oat-derived beta-glucan significantly improves HDLC and diminishes LDLC and non-HDL cholesterol in overweight individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia. Am J Ther 2007;14(2):203-212.

Granfeldt, Y., Nyberg, L., and Bjorck, I. Muesli with 4 g oat beta-glucans lowers glucose and insulin responses after a bread meal in healthy subjects. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2008;62(5):600-607.

Kelly, S. A., Summerbell, C. D., Brynes, A., Whittaker, V., and Frost, G. Wholegrain cereals for coronary heart disease. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2007;(2):CD005051.

Sable, C. A., Strohmaier, K. M., and Chodakewitz, J. A. Advances in antifungal therapy. Annu.Rev.Med. 2008;59:361-379.

Panahi, S., Ezatagha, A., Temelli, F., Vasanthan, T., and Vuksan, V. Beta-glucan from two sources of oat concentrates affect postprandial glycemia in relation to the level of viscosity. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 2007;26(6):639-644.

Volman, J. J., Ramakers, J. D., and Plat, J. Dietary modulation of immune function by beta-glucans. Physiol Behav. 5-23-2008;94(2):276-284.

Mean, M., Marchetti, O., and Calandra, T. Bench-to-bedside review: Candida infections in the intensive care unit. Crit Care 2008;12(1):204.

Egan, L., Connolly, P., Wheat, L. J., Fuller, D., Dais, T. E., Knox, K. S., and Hage, C. A. Histoplasmosis as a cause for a positive Fungitell (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan test. Med.Mycol. 2008;46(1):93-95.

Sadiq, Butt M., Tahir-Nadeem, M., Khan, M. K., Shabir, R., and Butt, M. S. Oat: unique among the cereals. Eur.J.Nutr. 2008;47(2):68-79.

Theuwissen, E. and Mensink, R. P. Water-soluble dietary fibers and cardiovascular disease. Physiol Behav. 5-23-2008;94(2):285-292.

Biorklund, M., Holm, J., and Onning, G. Serum lipids and postprandial glucose and insulin levels in hyperlipidemic subjects after consumption of an oat beta-glucan-containing ready meal. Ann.Nutr.Metab 2008;52(2):83-90.

Krajicek, B. J., Limper, A. H., and Thomas, C. F., Jr. Advances in the biology, pathogenesis and identification of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Curr.Opin.Pulm.Med. 2008;14(3):228-234.

Scully, E. P., Baden, L. R., and Katz, J. T. Fungal brain infections. Curr.Opin.Neurol. 2008;21(3):347-352.

Maki, K. C., Davidson, M. H., Witchger, M. S., Dicklin, M. R., and Subbaiah, P. V. Effects of high-fiber oat and wheat cereals on postprandial glucose and lipid responses in healthy men. Int.J.Vitam.Nutr.Res. 2007;77(5):347-356.

Nieman, D. C. Immunonutrition support for athletes. Nutr.Rev. 2008;66(6):310-320.

Nieman, D. C., Henson, D. A., McMahon, M., Wrieden, J. L., Davis, J. M., Murphy, E. A., Gross, S. J., McAnulty, L. S., and Dumke, C. L. Beta-glucan, immune function, and upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Med.Sci.Sports Exerc. 2008;40(8):1463-1471.

Alminger, M. and Eklund-Jonsson, C. Whole-grain cereal products based on a high-fibre barley or oat genotype lower post-prandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy humans. Eur.J.Nutr. 2008;47(6):294-300.

Weitberg, A. B. A phase I/II trial of beta-(1,3)/(1,6) D-glucan in the treatment of patients with advanced malignancies receiving chemotherapy. J.Exp.Clin.Cancer Res. 2008;27:40.

Nazare, J. A., Normand, S., Oste, Triantafyllou A., Brac, de la Perriere, Desage, M., and Laville, M. Modulation of the postprandial phase by beta-glucan in overweight subjects: effects on glucose and insulin kinetics. Mol.Nutr.Food Res. 2009;53(3):361-369.

Bazzano, L. A. Effects of soluble dietary fiber on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary heart disease risk. Curr.Atheroscler.Rep. 2008;10(6):473-477.

Hlebowicz, J., Darwiche, G., Bjorgell, O., and Almer, L. O. Effect of muesli with 4 g oat beta-glucan on postprandial blood glucose, gastric emptying and satiety in healthy subjects: a randomized crossover trial. J Am Coll.Nutr 2008;27(4):470-475.

Theuwissen, E., Plat, J., and Mensink, R. P. Consumption of oat beta-glucan with or without plant stanols did not influence inflammatory markers in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Mol.Nutr.Food Res. 2009;53(3):370-376.

Hachem, R. Y., Kontoyiannis, D. P., Chemaly, R. F., Jiang, Y., Reitzel, R., and Raad, I. Utility of galactomannan enzyme immunoassay and (1,3) beta-D-glucan in diagnosis of invasive fungal infections: low sensitivity for Aspergillus fumigatus infection in hematologic malignancy patients. J.Clin.Microbiol. 2009;47(1):129-133.

Jenkins, D. J., Nguyen, T. H., Kendall, C. W., Faulkner, D. A., Bashyam, B., Kim, I. J., Ireland, C., Patel, D., Vidgen, E., Josse, A. R., Sesso, H. D., Burton-Freeman, B., Josse, R. G., Leiter, L. A., and Singer, W. The effect of strawberries in a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio. Metabolism 2008;57(12):1636-1644.

Yan, J., Allendorf, D. J., Li, B., Yan, R., Hansen, R., and Donev, R. The role of membrane complement regulatory proteins in cancer immunotherapy. Adv.Exp.Med.Biol. 2008;632:159-174.

Ohno, N. [Structure and function of fungal cell wall]. Nihon Rinsho 2008;66(12):2268-2272.

Kakeya, H. and Kohno, S. [Clinically documented fungal infections]. Nihon Rinsho 2008;66(12):2299-2304.

Gautier, S., Xhauflaire-Uhoda, E., Gonry, P., and Pierard, G. E. Chitin-glucan, a natural cell scaffold for skin moisturization and rejuvenation. Int.J.Cosmet.Sci. 2008;30(6):459-469.

Driscoll, M., Hansen, R., Ding, C., Cramer, D. E., and Yan, J. Therapeutic potential of various beta-glucan sources in conjunction with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody in cancer therapy. Cancer Biol.Ther. 2009;8(3):218-225.

Juvonen, K. R., Purhonen, A. K., Salmenkallio-Marttila, M., Lahteenmaki, L., Laaksonen, D. E., Herzig, K. H., Uusitupa, M. I., Poutanen, K. S., and Karhunen, L. J. Viscosity of oat bran-enriched beverages influences gastrointestinal hormonal responses in healthy humans. J Nutr 2009;139(3):461-466.

Kim, H., Stote, K. S., Behall, K. M., Spears, K., Vinyard, B., and Conway, J. M. Glucose and insulin responses to whole grain breakfasts varying in soluble fiber, beta-glucan: a dose response study in obese women with increased risk for insulin resistance. Eur.J Nutr 2009;48(3):170-175.

Koray, M., Ak, G., Kurklu, E., Tanyeri, H., Aydin, F., Oguz, F. S., Temurhan, S., Ciltci, H., Carin, M., Onal, A. E., and Ozdilli, K. The effect of beta-glucan on recurrent aphthous stomatitis. J Altern.Complement Med 2009;15(2):111-112.

Liatis, S., Tsapogas, P., Chala, E., Dimosthenopoulos, C., Kyriakopoulos, K., Kapantais, E., and Katsilambros, N. The consumption of bread enriched with betaglucan reduces LDL-cholesterol and improves insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab 2009;35(2):115-120.

Talati, R., Baker, W. L., Pabilonia, M. S., White, C. M., and Coleman, C. I. The effects of barley-derived soluble fiber on serum lipids. Ann.Fam.Med. 2009;7(2):157-163.

Willis, H. J., Eldridge, A. L., Beiseigel, J., Thomas, W., and Slavin, J. L. Greater satiety response with resistant starch and corn bran in human subjects. Nutr Res 2009;29(2):100-105.

Lyly, M., Liukkonen, K. H., Salmenkallio-Marttila, M., Karhunen, L., Poutanen, K., and Lahteenmaki, L. Fibre in beverages can enhance perceived satiety. Eur.J.Nutr. 2009;48(4):251-258.

Chen, J. and Raymond, K. Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks. Vasc.Health Risk Manag. 2008;4(6):1265-1272.

Chandrasekar, P. Invasive mold infections: recent advances in management approaches. Leuk.Lymphoma 2009;50(5):703-715.

Liu, J., Gunn, L., Hansen, R., and Yan, J. Combined yeast-derived beta-glucan with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody for cancer immunotherapy. Exp.Mol.Pathol. 2009;86(3):208-214.

Almyroudis, N. G. and Segal, B. H. Prevention and treatment of invasive fungal diseases in neutropenic patients. Curr.Opin.Infect.Dis. 2009;22(4):385-393.

Chan, G. C., Chan, W. K., and Sze, D. M. The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. J.Hematol.Oncol. 2009;2:25.

Liu, J., Gunn, L., Hansen, R., and Yan, J. Yeast-derived beta-glucan in combination with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody therapy in cancer. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov. 2009;4(2):101-109.

Rondanelli, M., Opizzi, A., and Monteferrario, F. [The biological activity of beta-glucans]. Minerva Med. 2009;100(3):237-245.

Isoda, N., Eguchi, Y., Nukaya, H., Hosho, K., Suga, Y., Suga, T., Nakazawa, S., and Sugano, K. Clinical efficacy of superfine dispersed lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatogastroenterology 2009;56(90):437-441.

Kataoka, H., Shimura, T., Mizoshita, T., Kubota, E., Mori, Y., Mizushima, T., Wada, T., Ogasawara, N., Tanida, S., Sasaki, M., Togawa, S., Sano, H., Hirata, Y., Ikai, M., Mochizuki, H., Seno, K., Itoh, S., Kawai, T., and Joh, T. Lentinan with S-1 and paclitaxel for gastric cancer chemotherapy improve patient quality of life. Hepatogastroenterology 2009;56(90):547-550.

Hazama, S., Watanabe, S., Ohashi, M., Yagi, M., Suzuki, M., Matsuda, K., Yamamoto, T., Suga, Y., Suga, T., Nakazawa, S., and Oka, M. Efficacy of orally administered superfine dispersed lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Anticancer Res 2009;29(7):2611-2617.

Cushion, M. T. and Walzer, P. D. Preclinical drug discovery for new anti-pneumocystis compounds. Curr.Med.Chem. 2009;16(20):2514-2530.

Vitaglione, P., Lumaga, R. B., Stanzione, A., Scalfi, L., and Fogliano, V. beta-Glucan-enriched bread reduces energy intake and modifies plasma ghrelin and peptide YY concentrations in the short term. Appetite 2009;53(3):338-344.

Thondre, P. S. and Henry, C. J. High-molecular-weight barley beta-glucan in chapatis (unleavened Indian flatbread) lowers glycemic index. Nutr Res 2009;29(7):480-486.

Regand, A., Tosh, S. M., Wolever, T. M., and Wood, P. J. Physicochemical properties of beta-glucan in differently processed oat foods influence glycemic response. J Agric.Food Chem 10-14-2009;57(19):8831-8838.

Beck, E. J., Tosh, S. M., Batterham, M. J., Tapsell, L. C., and Huang, X. F. Oat beta-glucan increases postprandial cholecystokinin levels, decreases insulin response and extends subjective satiety in overweight subjects. Mol.Nutr.Food Res. 2009;53(10):1343-1351.

Mello, V. D. and Laaksonen, D. E. [Dietary fibers: current trends and health benefits in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes]. Arq Bras.Endocrinol.Metabol. 2009;53(5):509-518.

Cugnet-Anceau, C., Nazare, J. A., Biorklund, M., Le, Coquil E., Sassolas, A., Sothier, M., Holm, J., Landin-Olsson, M., Onning, G., Laville, M., and Moulin, P. A controlled study of consumption of beta-glucan-enriched soups for 2 months by type 2 diabetic free-living subjects. Br.J.Nutr. 2010;103(3):422-428.

Beck, E. J., Tapsell, L. C., Batterham, M. J., Tosh, S. M., and Huang, X. F. Increases in peptide Y-Y levels following oat beta-glucan ingestion are dose-dependent in overweight adults. Nutr.Res. 2009;29(10):705-709.

Beck, E. J., Tapsell, L. C., Batterham, M. J., Tosh, S. M., and Huang, X. F. Oat beta-glucan supplementation does not enhance the effectiveness of an energy-restricted diet in overweight women. Br.J.Nutr. 2010;103(8):1212-1222.

Pietrantoni, E., Signore, F., Berardi, G., Donadio, F., and Donadio, C. [Role of beta-glucan in the treatment of recurrent candidiasis and HPV-correlated lesions and reparative process of epidermis]. Minerva Ginecol. 2010;62(1):1-5.

Lyly, M., Ohls, N., Lahteenmaki, L., Salmenkallio-Marttila, M., Liukkonen, K. H., Karhunen, L., and Poutanen, K. The effect of fibre amount, energy level and viscosity of beverages containing oat fibre supplement on perceived satiety. Food Nutr.Res. 2010;54

Melo, L. H. [Echinocandins and the 2009 guidelines for treatment of candidiasis]. Drugs Today (Barc.) 2010;46 Suppl B:7-12.

Juvonen, K. R., Salmenkallio-Marttila, M., Lyly, M., Liukkonen, K. H., Lahteenmaki, L., Laaksonen, D. E., Uusitupa, M. I., Herzig, K. H., Poutanen, K. S., and Karhunen, L. J. Semisolid meal enriched in oat bran decreases plasma glucose and insulin levels, but does not change gastrointestinal peptide responses or short-term appetite in healthy subjects. Nutr.Metab Cardiovasc.Dis. 2011;21(9):748-756.

Giacosa, A. and Rondanelli, M. The right fiber for the right disease: an update on the psyllium seed husk and the metabolic syndrome. J.Clin.Gastroenterol. 2010;44 Suppl 1:S58-S60.

Cabezas, J., Albaina, O., Montanez, D., Sevilla, M. J., Moragues, M. D., and Ponton, J. Potential of anti-Candida antibodies in immunoprophylaxis. Immunotherapy. 2010;2(2):171-183.

Wolever, T. M., Tosh, S. M., Gibbs, A. L., Brand-Miller, J., Duncan, A. M., Hart, V., Lamarche, B., Thomson, B. A., Duss, R., and Wood, P. J. Physicochemical properties of oat beta-glucan influence its ability to reduce serum LDL cholesterol in humans: a randomized clinical trial. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2010;92(4):723-732.

Vitaglione, P., Lumaga, R. B., Montagnese, C., Messia, M. C., Marconi, E., and Scalfi, L. Satiating effect of a barley beta-glucan-enriched snack. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 2010;29(2):113-121.

Rylander, R. Organic dust induced pulmonary disease - the role of mould derived beta-glucan. Ann.Agric.Environ.Med. 2010;17(1):9-13.

Nilsson, A. C., Ostman, E. M., Knudsen, K. E., Holst, J. J., and Bjorck, I. M. A cereal-based evening meal rich in indigestible carbohydrates increases plasma butyrate the next morning. J.Nutr. 2010;140(11):1932-1936.

Chillo, S., Ranawana, D. V., Pratt, M., and Henry, C. J. Glycemic response and glycemic index of semolina spaghetti enriched with barley beta-glucan. Nutrition 2011;27(6):653-658.

Bobovcak, M., Kuniakova, R., Gabriz, J., and Majtan, J. Effect of Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation on cellular immune response after intensive exercise in elite athletes. Appl.Physiol Nutr.Metab 2010;35(6):755-762.

Yoshida, K., Shoji, H., Takuma, T., and Niki, Y. Clinical viability of Fungitell, a new (1-->3)-beta-D: -glucan measurement kit, for diagnosis of invasive fungal infection, and comparison with other kits available in Japan. J.Infect.Chemother. 2011;17(4):473-477.

Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.

Katragkou, A. and Roilides, E. Best practice in treating infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections. Curr.Opin.Infect.Dis. 2011;24(3):225-229.

Tiwari, U. and Cummins, E. Meta-analysis of the effect of beta-glucan intake on blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Nutrition 2011;27(10):1008-1016.

Rondanelli, M., Opizzi, A., Monteferrario, F., Klersy, C., Cazzola, R., and Cestaro, B. Beta-glucan- or rice bran-enriched foods: a comparative crossover clinical trial on lipidic pattern in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2011;65(7):864-871.

Turunen, K., Tsouvelakidou, E., Nomikos, T., Mountzouris, K. C., Karamanolis, D., Triantafillidis, J., and Kyriacou, A. Impact of beta-glucan on the faecal microbiota of polypectomized patients: a pilot study. Anaerobe. 2011;17(6):403-406.

Demark-Wahnefried, W., Bowering, J., and Cohen, P. S. Reduced serum cholesterol with dietary change using fat-modified and oat bran supplemented diets. J.Am.Diet.Assoc. 1990;90(2):223-229.

Thondre, P. S. and Henry, C. J. Effect of a low molecular weight, high-purity beta-glucan on in vitro digestion and glycemic response. Int.J.Food Sci.Nutr. 2011;62(7):678-684.

Othman, R. A., Moghadasian, M. H., and Jones, P. J. Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat beta-glucan. Nutr.Rev. 2011;69(6):299-309.

Gunness, P. and Gidley, M. J. Mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering properties of soluble dietary fibre polysaccharides. Food Funct. 2010;1(2):149-155.

Ciacci, C., Franceschi, F., Purchiaroni, F., Capone, P., Buccelletti, F., Iacomini, P., Ranaudo, A., Andreozzi, P., Tondi, P., Gentiloni, Silveri N., Gasbarrini, A., and Gasbarrini, G. Effect of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes in GI symptoms of patients with IBS. Eur.Rev.Med.Pharmacol.Sci. 2011;15(6):637-643.

Charlton, K. E., Tapsell, L. C., Batterham, M. J., O'Shea, J., Thorne, R., Beck, E., and Tosh, S. M. Effect of 6 weeks' consumption of beta-glucan-rich oat products on cholesterol levels in mildly hypercholesterolaemic overweight adults. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1037-1047.

Mitsou, E. K., Kirtzalidou, E., Pramateftaki, P., and Kyriacou, A. Antibiotic resistance in faecal microbiota of Greek healthy infants. Benef.Microbes. 2010;1(3):297-306.

Hofer, M. and Pospisil, M. Modulation of animal and human hematopoiesis by beta-glucans: a review. Molecules. 2011;16(9):7969-7979.

Lesher, A. P., Curry, R. H., Evans, J., Smith, V. A., Fitzgerald, M. T., Cina, R. A., Streck, C. J., and Hebra, A. V. Effectiveness of Biobrane for treatment of partial-thickness burns in children. J.Pediatr.Surg. 2011;46(9):1759-1763.

Damiani, V., Di, Carlo M., Grappasonni, G., Di, Domenico R., and Dominici, P. Efficacy of a new medical device based on colloidal silver and carbossimetyl beta glucan in treatment of upper airways disease in children. Minerva Pediatr. 2011;63(5):347-354.

Barone, Lumaga R., Azzali, D., Fogliano, V., Scalfi, L., and Vitaglione, P. Sugar and dietary fibre composition influence, by different hormonal response, the satiating capacity of a fruit-based and a beta-glucan-enriched beverage. Food Funct. 2012;3(1):67-75.

Wolever, T. M., Gibbs, A. L., Brand-Miller, J., Duncan, A. M., Hart, V., Lamarche, B., Tosh, S. M., and Duss, R. Bioactive oat beta-glucan reduces LDL cholesterol in Caucasians and non-Caucasians. Nutr.J. 2011;10:130.

Borneo, R. and Leon, A. E. Whole grain cereals: functional components and health benefits. Food Funct. 2012;3(2):110-119.

Gaullier, J. M., Sleboda, J., Ofjord, E. S., Ulvestad, E., Nurminiemi, M., Moe, C., Tor, A., and Gudmundsen, O. Supplementation with a soluble beta-glucan exported from Shiitake medicinal mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Berk.) singer mycelium: a crossover, placebo-controlled study in healthy elderly. Int.J.Med.Mushrooms. 2011;13(4):319-326.

Ostrosky-Zeichner, L. Invasive mycoses: diagnostic challenges. Am.J.Med. 2012;125(1 Suppl):S14-S24.

Lamoth, F., Cruciani, M., Mengoli, C., Castagnola, E., Lortholary, O., Richardson, M., and Marchetti, O. beta-Glucan antigenemia assay for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies from the Third European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL-3). Clin.Infect.Dis. 3-1-2012;54(5):633-643.

Lattimer, J. M. and Haub, M. D. Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health. Nutrients. 2010;2(12):1266-1289.

Nelson, E. D., Ramberg, J. E., Best, T., and Sinnott, R. A. Neurologic effects of exogenous saccharides: a review of controlled human, animal, and in vitro studies. Nutr.Neurosci. 2012;15(4):149-162.

Cloetens, L., Ulmius, M., Johansson-Persson, A., Akesson, B., and Onning, G. Role of dietary beta-glucans in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome. Nutr.Rev. 2012;70(8):444-458.

Singh, R., De, S., and Belkheir, A. Avena sativa (Oat), a potential neutraceutical and therapeutic agent: an overview. Crit Rev.Food Sci.Nutr. 2013;53(2):126-144.

Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus ): an effective nutritional supplement against upper respiratory tract infections? Med.Sport Sci. 2012;59:57-61.

Beer, M. U., Arrigoni, E., and Amado, R. Effects of oat gum on blood cholesterol levels in healthy young men. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 1995;49(7):517-522.

Hallfrisch, J., Scholfield, D. J., and Behall, K. M. Diets containing soluble oat extracts improve glucose and insulin responses of moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1995;61(2):379-384.

Vetvicka, V., Thornton, B. P., and Ross, G. D. Soluble beta-glucan polysaccharide binding to the lectin site of neutrophil or natural killer cell complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18) generates a primed state of the receptor capable of mediating cytotoxicity of iC3b-opsonized target cells. J.Clin.Invest 7-1-1996;98(1):50-61.

Behall, K. M., Scholfield, D. J., and Hallfrisch, J. Effect of beta-glucan level in oat fiber extracts on blood lipids in men and women. J.Am.Coll.Nutr. 1997;16(1):46-51.

Uusitupa, M. I., Miettinen, T. A., Sarkkinen, E. S., Ruuskanen, E., Kervinen, K., and Kesaniemi, Y. A. Lathosterol and other non-cholesterol sterols during treatment of hypercholesterolaemia with beta-glucan-rich oat bran. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 1997;51(9):607-611.

Estrada, A., Yun, C. H., Van Kessel, A., Li, B., Hauta, S., and Laarveld, B. Immunomodulatory activities of oat beta-glucan in vitro and in vivo. Microbiol.Immunol. 1997;41(12):991-998.

Yun, C. H., Estrada, A., Van Kessel, A., Gajadhar, A., Redmond, M., and Laarveld, B. Immunomodulatory effects of oat beta-glucan administered intragastrically or parenterally on mice infected with Eimeria vermiformis. Microbiol.Immunol. 1998;42(6):457-465.

Hetland and Geir. Anti-infective action of immuno-modulating polysaccharides (beta-glucan and plantago major L. Pectin) against intracellular (mycobacteria sp.) and extracellular (streptococcus pneumoniae sp.) respiratory pathogens. Curr.Med.Chem.- Anti-infective Agents 2003;2(2):135-147.

Okamoto, Takashil, Kodoi, Riel, Nonaka, Yujil, Fukuda, Itosukol, Hashimoto, Kanazawa, Kazukil, Mizuno, Masashi, and Ashida Hitoshi. Lentinan from shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) supresses expression of cytochrome p450 1A subfamily in the mouse liver. Biofactors 2004;21(1/4):407-410.

Zhuang, C. Medicinal value of culinary-medicinal Maitake Mushroom Grifola frondosa. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2004;6(4):287-314.

Tosh SM, Brummer Y Wolever TMS Wood PJ. Glycemic response to oat bran muf?ns treated to vary molecular weight of b-glucan. Cereal Chem 2008;85:211-217.

Talbott SM, Talbott JA Talbott TL Dingler E. Beta-Glucan supplementation, allergy symptoms, and quality of life in self-described ragweed allergy sufferers. Food Science & Nutrition 2013;1(1):1-12.

Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.

Chen, CY, Milbury, PE, Kwak, HK, Collins, FW, Samuel, P, and Blumberg, JB. Avenanthramides and phenolic acids from oats are bioavailable and act synergistically with vitamin C to enhance hamster and human LDL resistance to oxidation. J Nutr 2004;134:1459-1466.

Regand, A., Chowdhury, Z., Tosh, S. M., Wolever, T. M., and Wood, P. The molecular weight, solubility and viscosity of oat beta-glucan affect human glycemic response by modifying starch digestibility. Food Chemistry 2011;129(2):297-304.

Cavallero A, Empilli S Brighenti F Stanca AM. High (1/3, 1/4)-b-glucan barley fractions in bread making and their effects on human glycemic response. J Cereal Sci 2002;36:59-66.

Hallfrisch J, Schol eld DJ Behall KM. Physiological responses of men and women to barley and oat extracts (Nu-trim X). II. Comparison of glucose and insulin responses. Cereal Chem 2003;80:80-83.

Lan-Pidhainy X, Brummer Y Tosh SM Wolever TM Wood PJ. Reducing beta-glucan solubility in oat bran muf?ns by freeze-thaw treatment attenuates its hypoglycaemic effect. Cereal Chem 2007;84(512):517.

Ostman E, Rossi E Larsson H Brighenti F Bj orck I. Glucose and insulin responses in healthy men to barley bread with different levels of (1/3; 1/4)-b-glucans; predictions using ?uidity measurements of in vitro enzyme digests. J Cereal Sci 2006;43:230-235.

Yokoyama WH, Hudson CA Knuckles BE Chiu MCM Sayre RN Turnlund J. Schneeman RO. Effect of barley b-glucan in durum wheat pasta on human glycaemic response. Cereal Chem 1997;74:293-296.

Olsson J, Sundberg B. Clinical Study Report. Effects of boiled, flaked, milled barley powder product (Aktiv) on LDL-, HDL- and total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and HS-CRP levels in healthy hypercholesterolemic men and women. Centre for Human Studies of Foodstuffs 2005;

Sundberg B. Cholesterol lowering effects of a barley fibre flake products. AgroGOOD Industry Hi-tech 2008;19:14-17.

Johnston LRH, Hunninghake DB Schultz K Westereng B. Cholesterol-lowering benefits of a whole grain oat ready to eat cereal. Nutr Clin Care. 1998;1:6-12.

Pomeroy, R, Cehun-Aders, S, Nestel, M, and Tupper, P. Oat beta-glucan lowers total and LDL-cholesterol. Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics 2001;58(1):151-155.

Kim H, Behall KM Vinyard B et al. Short-term satiety and glycemic response after consumption of whole grains with various amounts of b-glucans. Cereal Food World. 2006;51:29-33.

Mårtensson O, Biörklund M Lambo AM et al. Fermented, ropy, oat-based products reduce cholesterol levels and stimulate the bifidobacteria flora in humans. Nutr Res. 2005;25:429-442.

Yap, A and Ng, M. Immunopotentiating Properties of Lentinan (1-3)-Beta-D-glucan Extracted from culinary-medicinal shiitake mushrooms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2003;5(4):339-359.

Amundsen, AL, Haugum, B, and Andersson, H. Changes in serum cholesterol and sterol metabolites after intake of products enriched with an oat bran concentrate with a controlled diet. Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition 2003;47 (2):68-75.

Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.

Peterson, DM and Qureshi, AA. Genotype and environment effects on tocols of barley and oats. Cereal Chem 1993;70:157-162.

Newman RK, Lewis SE Newman CW Boik RJ Ramage RT. Hypocholesterolemic effect of barley foods on healthy-men. Nutr Rep Int 1989;39:749-760.

El Khoury D, Cuda C, Luhovyy BL, Anderson GH. Beta glucan: health benefits in obesity and metabolic syndrome. J Nutr Metab. 2012;2012:851362.

Anttila H, Sontag-Strohm T, Salovaara H. Viscosity of beta-glucan in oat products. Agri Food Sci. 2004;13:80-87.

Akyol A, Dasgin H, Ayaz A, Buyuktuncer Z, Besler HT. ß-Glucan and dark chocolate: a randomized crossover study on short-term satiety and energy intake. Nutrients. 2014;6(9):3863-77.

Jesenak M, Hrubisko M, Majtan J, Rennerova Z, Banovcin P. Anti-allergic effect of Pleuran (ß-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Phytother Res. 2014;28(3):471-4.

Leentjens J, Quintin J, Gerretsen J, et al. The effects of orally administered Beta-glucan on innate immune responses in humans, a randomized open-label intervention pilot-study. PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e108794.

McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83.

Whitehead A, Beck EJ, Tosh S, Wolever TM. Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat ß-glucan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(6):1413-21.

Frid A, Tura A, Pacini G, Ridderstråle M. Effect of oral pre-meal administration of betaglucans on glycaemic control and variability in subjects with type 1 diabetes. Nutrients 2017;9(9). pii:E1004.

Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, et al. Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017;21(2 Suppl):102-7.

Thomas M, Sadjadian P, Kollmeier J, et al. A randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTH1677 (1,3-1,6 beta glucan; Imprime PGG) in combination with cetuximab and chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Invest New Drugs 2017;35(3):345-58.

Tessari P, Lante A. A multifunctional bread rich in beta glucans and low in starch improves metabolic control in type 2 diabetes: a controlled trial. Nutrients 2017;9(3). pii:E297.

Ho HV, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau A, et al. The effect of oat ß-glucan on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB for CVD risk reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Br J Nutr 2016;116(8):1369-82.

Segal NH, Gada P, Senzer N, Gargano MA, Patchen ML, Saltz LB. A phase II efficacy and safety, open-label, multicenter study of imprime PGG injection in combination with cetuximab in patients with stage IV KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2016;15(3):222-7.

Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.

Aoe S, Ichinose Y, Kohyama N, et al. Effects of high ß-glucan barley on visceral fat obesity in Japanese individuals: a randomized, double-blind study. Nutrition 2017;42:1-6.

Mosikanon K, Arthan D, Kettawan A, Tungtrongchitr R, Prangthip P. Yeast ß-glucan modulates inflammation and waist circumference in overweight and obese subjects. J Diet Suppl 2017;14(2):173-85.

Ho HV, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau A, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of barley ß-glucan on LDL-C, non-HDL-C and apoB for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Eur J Clin Nutr 2016;70(11):1239-45.