Effects of Orally Administered Beta-glucan on Leukocyte Function in Humans

Effects of Orally Administered Beta-glucan on Leukocyte Function in Humans, a Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to test wether orally administered Beta-glucan has systemic effects in humans.

The immunostimulatory properties of mushrooms have been recognized for centuries, and "medicinal" mushrooms are still widely used in alternative medicine all over the world. Although a number of fungal components have been implicated in these properties, Beta-glucans have attracted the most attention. However, although Beta-glucans are widely used as a health food supplement, their immunomodulatory effects after administration in humans have not yet been determined.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Age ≥18
• Healthy males

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with a history of allergy or intolerance to Beta-glucan
• Use of any medication
• Participation in a drug trial or donation of blood 3 months prior to Beta-glucan administration
• Use of antibiotics, norit, laxatives (up till 6 months prior to inclusion), cholestyramine, acid burn inhibitors or immune suppressive agents (up till 3 months prior to inclusion), and pre- and probiotics (up till 1 month prior to inclusion).