Are Beta-Glucans the Best way to Stimulate the Immune System?

Why was this study done?

Beta-glucans are well-known immune-stimulating polysaccharides found in large amounts in certain yeasts, mushrooms, and other foods. Beta-glucans, though, may not be the only immune stimulating molecule in these foods. This study was designed to test beta-glucan alone versus a mixture of yeast, mushrooms, and ginseng and compare their effects on immune cells.

What did the study find?

This study found that a combination (called PX3) was more effective than beta glucan alone at stimulating the immune system (including cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation).

Immuno-stimulatory activities of a blend of natural extracts in human immune cells.
Authors: Wang, H and Daggy, B. FASEB Journal, April 2015. vol. 29 no. 1 Supplement 593.7.
Abstract: FASEB Journal, 2015.
Click here to read study presentation.