ß-glucan affects mucosal immunity in children with chronic respiratory problems under physical stress: clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The role of ß-glucan in children with respiratory problems is getting more and more attention. In this report we focused on the effects of 30 days oral supplementation with ß-glucan on physical activity and immune status of children with respiratory problems. METHODS: We measured the level of sIgA, eNO and physical activity [using a 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in 77 children and evaluated the effect of 100 mg/day oral dose. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between males and females in physical endurance. In the glucan group, the positive effects of glucan were significant in both age groups. In the glucan group, we found significant decrease of eNO levels and stabilization of the sIgA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan stimulated physical endurance in children with respiratory problems and, via stabilization of the sIgA levels, helps their mucosal immunity.

Clinical trials of yeast-derived ß-(1,3) glucan in children: effects on innate immunity.

BACKGROUND: The role of glucan in the stimulation of immune reactions is well established. In our report, we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan on nonspecific immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme. C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin in the saliva of 60 children ages 8-12 years and evaluated the effects of 30-day treatment with 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the production of lysozyme, CRP and calprotectin in glucan-treated children. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan significantly stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.

Placebo-driven clinical trials of yeast-derived ß-(1-3) glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems.

BACKGROUND: The role of glucan in stimulation of immune reactions has been studied for several decades. In this report we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme and CRP in saliva of 40 children aged 8-12 years and evaluate the effects of 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in production of changes in production of lysozyme and CRP in glucan-treated children. In addition, a strong improvement in general conditions was found. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.