BETA GLUCAN AS A DIETARY FIBER
Malnutrition encompasses two conditions which are undernutrition and overnutrition. Based on WHO data, 1.9 billion are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight in adult population. Globally in 2020, it was recorded that 149million of children under 5 years old were estimated to be stunted (too short for age), while 45 million and 38.9 million were wasted (too thin for height) and were overweight or obese, respectively.1
A diet should be complete and varied to prevent malnutrition as well as certain diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer. Intake of macronutrients which are the proteins, carbohydrates and fats are needed in large quantities to provide the body with energy. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are only needed in small amounts to support important biological processes.
Dietary fiber is a critical component of a balanced diet and has its role in maintaining the general health status of an individual. Dietary fibers are the edible parts of fruits and vegetables that are resistant to hydrolysis by digestive enzymes.2
Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a soluble and fermentable fiber. Researchers are gaining interest due to its multiple beneficial effects. They are natural polysaccharides isolated from various sources such as yeast, mushrooms, seaweed or grains.3 According to Akramiene et al, glucan has significant effects because it increases the host immune defense by activating complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function.4
The beneficial role in children showed that short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator β-glucan stimulated physical endurance in children with respiratory problems and helps in the mucosal immunity.3 In adults, some of the beneficial effects of diets rich in fiber is that it improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia and contribute positively to long-term weight management. 5
β-glucan is steadily gaining attention in researches not only because of its beneficial effect as an immunostimulant but also as an important food supplement.
References:
1 World Health Organization. 2020 and 2021.
2 Seregelj V. et al. Chapter 9 Natural bioactive compounds in carrot waste for food applications and health benefits. Elsivier 2020. Volume 67. Pages 307-344
3 Richer J. et al. β-glucan affects mucosal immunity in children with chronic respiratory problems under physical stress: clinical trials. Ann Transl Med. 2015 Mar; 3(4): 52.
4 Akramiene D et al. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606.
5 El Khoury D. et al. Beta Glucan: Health Benefits in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. J Nutr Metab. 2012; 2012: 851362.