Beta 1,3 1,6 glucan. What is it?

Beta glucans are polysaccharides (sugar molecules) found bound together as a sugar/protein complex. The richest concentrated source of beta glucan is baker's yeast cell walls, but it is also present in lesser amounts in barley, oats, and some seaweeds, mushrooms, and other plants. Beta glucan extract taken from these natural materials does not contain the protein part of the complex, so it is not allergy inducing. Hundreds of scientific reports attest to beta glucan's ability to enhance the immune system. Having demonstrated widespread immune enhancing effects, beta glucan has been used to improve conditions ranging from gingivitis and periodontitis to cancer.

How Glucans Work

Glucans appear to stimulate (irritate) the large white blood cells called macrophages into action. These cells are a primary defense system for our bodies, identifying abnormal conditions and activating the appropriate therapeutic response. They literally devour bacteria, foreign cells, dead and dying cells, mutated cells, cancerous cells, and other negative invaders. Beta glucan's stimulation of macrophage cells produces a cascade of immune events, boosting immune response, stimulating the production of immune cells and improving host resistance.

How Beta Glucans Protect Skin

The skin contains macrophages and other antigen presenting cells (dendrite cells, Langerhans cells). Researchers have found that some of these cells have receptor sites ready to accept beta-1,3 glucan, which can increase non-specific immunity against bacteria, fungi and other insults. The skin is constantly under assault by environmental pollutants, harsh chemicals, detergents, perfumes, UV radiation and small wounds. These assaults provide increased access to pathogens. An increased efficiency in the innate immune system by beta-glucan should help the skin heal itself, and reduce signs of skin damage. A recent study supports the use of beta-glucan in the care of healthy skin and treatment of the signs of aging. The protective and anti-aging properties demonstrated in these studies are why we have included beta glucan in our DermaFex^™ Daily Renewal Facial Moisturizer, Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer and Instant Face Lift.

Beta Glucan and Acne

It's immune boosting, wound healing powers, also makes beta glucan helpful in acne skin care products. Macrophages activated by beta glucan may be charged and more efficient in seeking out and destroying the cell debris, pus, and bacteria that accumulate in inflamed acne lesions. They may also be better able to help protect irritated skin from UV rays and other environmental damage, encourage new skin formation, decrease scarring, and keep the skin hydrated. Combining beta glucan with an exfoliating agent like salicylic acid, as in DermaFex^™ Acne Gel, may further enhance the immune action by exposing more macrophages to the beta glucan.

Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan

While most beta glucan cosmeceuticals on the market today are only 15% to 60% beta glucan, Women's Health America has chosen Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan (as WGP 3-6 B-Glucan, a highly purified pharmaceutical-grade beta glucan) for products promoting optimal skin health. Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan is a key ingredient in our DermaFex^™ Daily Renewal Facial Moisturizer, Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer and Instant Face Lift. It's bacteria fighting, wound healing, sun-protecting, immune boosting ability also makes this beta glucan one of the most powerful ingredients in our DermaFex^™ Acne Gel.

WGP 3-6 B-Glucan is a registered trademark of BioThera,Inc.

For additional information, contact Women's Health America at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800.558.7046.

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