Nutri Courses

Advisory

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans are natural polysaccharides that are found in a wide range of foods, most notably in cereals, yeast, fungi, and seaweeds. They are known for their many health benefits, including immune system support, cholesterol level reduction, and blood sugar regulation. Beta-glucans also have prebiotic effects, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Hello,
does Cordyceps also contain beta-glucans? Can people with autoimmune diseases take Cordyceps?
Thank you.

Cordyceps is a relatively significant source of beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucans. Autoimmune diseases are mostly treated by inhibiting the immune system, therefore it is not advisable to stimulate immunity with any preparations, including beta glucans.

Hello,

I would like to ask whether the use of dietary supplements that directly support the function of the immune system (such as beta-glucans, colostrum, or others) can reduce the effectiveness of vaccination if they are used long-term. Or do they not have such an impact?

Thank you.

These dietary supplements do not pose any problem with regard to vaccination. In general, supplements support the activity of the non-specific part of the immune system, whereas vaccination is aimed at stimulating specific antibody immunity. You can use them without worry.

Hello,

I have purchased a product containing oyster mushroom and sea buckthorn. Unfortunately, I could not find information about the type of beta-glucan included, only that one capsule contains 118.2 mg of beta-glucan. Is this optimal?

Thank you.

There are several types of beta-glucans, which differ in structure, and their effect subsequently depends on this. Research indicates a better impact of 1,3/1,6 glucans on the immune system, which are found in yeast and mushrooms. Beta-glucans from seaweed represent a 1,3 linkage, while beta-glucans from cereals exhibit a 1,4 linkage. If the source is indicated on the product, you will be able to determine the type of linkage yourself. However, also consider that beta-glucans not only have the ability to support the activity of immune responses - for example, beta-glucans from cereals have a clearly proven effect on cholesterol metabolism in the blood, so it depends on the user which direction the effects of the product are targeted.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.