Immune Stimulation - Beta glucan has been recognized by researchers since the 1940s for providing immune benefits—beta glucan stimulates the immune system to enhance immunity and protect the body against infection. Beta glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide compound (a complex carbohydrate) found in algae, baker’s yeast, barley, mushrooms and oats. According to research, beta glucan potentiates the immune system, specifically activating macrophages to fight bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders. Beta glucan also facilitates the transmission of cellular information among the macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, antibodies and interferons and interleukins, thus enhancing overall immune response. A promising study published in the Journal of Immunology showed that beta glucan slowed tumor growth in mice—by the end of the 4-week study, the tumors in mice treated with beta glucan were up to 79% smaller than those in untreated mice.4-6