Glucan Supplementation Regulates Secretory Immunity and Stress

Abstract

Sixty-six children were supplemented with beta glucan and dietary nucleotides, another 63 children served as negative control. We evaluated the effects of these supplements on several aspects of secretory immunity such as levels of secretory IgA (SIgA), albumin and SIgA/albumin ratio. In addition, in order to monitor effects of physical challenges and compensatory treatments on stress and reparation of immunity, we measured levels of salivary cortisol. We found significant effects of supplementation with beta glucan on secretory IgA in children with increased physical challenge. To fully explain these findings, we will need to add additional indicators of stress and salivary immunity.