Another difference is the way that yeast beta glucan is processed by the body. While many fibers are broken down by digestive enzymes in the gut, yeast beta glucan is resistant to these enzymes and reaches the large intestine largely intact. This allows it to interact with gut bacteria and stimulate the immune cells that reside there.
In addition, yeast beta glucan has been shown to have specific immune-enhancing effects that are not seen with other fibers(4). For example, it has been found to increase the number and activity of immune cells, improve antibody production, and reduce inflammation. These effects are thought to be due to its unique branched structure and ability to activate specific immune cells.
Yeast beta glucan has a branched structure that allows it to interact effectively with immune cells, leading to immune activation. It resists digestive enzymes, reaching the large intestine largely intact and stimulating immune cells. It has unique immune-enhancing effects, improving antibody production, reducing inflammation, and increasing immune cell activity, attributed to its branched structure and ability to activate specific immune cells.
3. Akramiene, D., Kondrotas, A., Didziapetriene, J., & Kevelaitis, E. (2018). Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina, 54(2), 24.
4. Bischoff, S. C., Barbara, G., Buurman, W., Ockhuizen, T., Schulzke, J. D., Serino, M., … & Wells, J. M. (2020). Intestinal permeability – a new target for disease prevention and therapy. BMC Gastroenterology, 20(1), 1-22.
