However, two weeks post-supplementation, cholesterol levels remained significantly lower than baseline only in the oligosaccharide group, suggesting a more sustained effect.<\/p>\n
Similarly, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly reduced in the oligosaccharide group after 12 weeks, with the effect persisting for two weeks post-intervention. This effect was not seen in the polysaccharide group.<\/p>\n
This study builds on earlier findings, where both supplements, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, were identified as safe for participants in a two-week study.<\/p>\n
The current trial extends these findings, demonstrating long-term safety and efficacy over 12 weeks. <\/p>\n
Writing in Food Science and Nutrition, the researchers wrote: \u201cTo our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal differential safety and efficacy profiles between \u03b2\u2010Glucan oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, with the oligosaccharides showing a more favourable profile.” <\/p>\n
Two intervention groups, one placebo<\/p>\n
Conducted as a randomised, placebo\u2010controlled trial, 96 healthy participants aged 20 to 55 years old were equally assigned either \u03b2\u2010glucans oligosaccharides, \u03b2\u2010glucans polysaccharides, or placebo capsules. <\/p>\n
\u03b2\u2010glucan polysaccharides were produced through fermentation of the fungi, Ophiocordyceps dipterigena BCC 2073. These polysaccharides then undergo gamma irradiation to produce \u03b2\u2010glucan oligosaccharides.<\/p>\n
The \u03b2-glucan capsules were manufactured by Asia Star Trade, which also partially funded the study.<\/p>\n
Participants consumed the assigned product once daily at 2000mg for 12 weeks. <\/p>\n
Data on lipid profile, urinalysis, blood pressure, the occurrence of adverse symptoms, as well as defecation patterns were collected at weeks 4, 8, 12 and two weeks post-supplementation. <\/p>\n
Lipid-lowering effect <\/p>\n
After 12 weeks, total cholesterol levels decreased significantly for both \u03b2\u2010glucans oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, compared to their baseline values.<\/p>\n
However, at week 14, only the oligosaccharides group recorded lower total cholesterol levels compared to baseline. <\/p>\n
Findings further showed that 12 weeks of oligosaccharides intake significantly reduced LDL levels, compared to baseline, and this effect persisted for two\u2009weeks post\u2010intervention, something the researchers wrote would \u201cwarrant further investigation\u201d. No change was observed in the polysaccharide group.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompared to polysaccharides, \u03b2\u2010glucan oligosaccharides are associated with fewer adverse effects and better lipid\u2010lowering efficacy,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n
The researchers also hypothesized that glucans could bind bile acids or increase intestinal viscosity, reduce bile acid reabsorption and enhance fecal bile acid excretion. This means that the body will pull more cholesterol from the blood to make new bile acids, therefore lowering cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n
Defecation results<\/p>\n
Researchers also analysed defecation patterns and found that the polysaccharides group reported significantly more changes in defecation as compared to the control group. These changes were both positive and negative. <\/p>\n
For instance, positive effects included easier defecation and improved bowel movement frequency for constipated individuals, while negative effects included constipation and loose stools. All symptoms were mild.<\/p>\n
The researchers pointed out that \u03b2\u2010glucans are soluble fibers known to affect bowel movements and defecation. <\/p>\n
\u201cBased on our findings, \u03b2\u20101,3\/1,6\u2010glucan oligosaccharides produced by gamma irradiation were associated with fewer adverse events compared to \u03b2\u2010glucan polysaccharides.\u201d<\/p>\n
Safety<\/p>\n
Besides defecation symptoms, no adverse events or changes in body weight, liver or renal function, blood counts, blood glucose levels, urinalysis, or electrocardiogram were observed in any of the groups throughout the study period.<\/p>\n
Together, these findings suggest that daily supplementation with 2000\u2009mg of \u03b2\u20101,3\/1,6\u2010glucan oligosaccharides or polysaccharides for 12\u2009weeks is safe in healthy individuals. Oligosaccharides were associated with better lipid\u2010lowering efficacy and fewer adverse events, compared to polysaccharides.<\/p>\n
Crucially, this study provides baseline data for establishing an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for fungal glucan oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. <\/p>\n
Currently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of yeast \u03b2\u20101,3\/1,6\u2010glucan polysaccharides as 375\u2009mg\/day for food supplements and 600\u2009mg\/day for foods for particular nutritional uses. <\/p>\n
Researchers said no safety limits have been established for \u03b2\u20101,3\/1,6\u2010glucan oligosaccharides, and that \u03b2\u2010glucan from Ophiocordyceps dipterigena is considered a novel food.<\/p>\n
In addition, since this trial showed that a daily dose of 2000mg is considered safe, they recommend that future clinical trials evaluate the efficacy of \u03b2\u2010glucan oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in consumer products.<\/p>\n