Evidence supporting the use of: Beta-Glucan
For the health condition: Radiation Sickness

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Beta-glucan has some scientific validation for its use in supporting or mitigating radiation sickness, although the evidence is mostly preclinical and limited in human studies. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, and fungi, known for their immunomodulatory properties. In animal models, beta-glucan has been shown to increase survival rates following lethal doses of radiation, presumably by stimulating the production and function of bone marrow cells, enhancing hematopoietic recovery, and reducing infection risk. For example, studies in mice demonstrated that beta-glucan administration prior to or after radiation exposure improved recovery of white blood cells and reduced mortality. The proposed mechanisms include activation of macrophages, neutrophils, and other immune cells, as well as the stimulation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) production.

However, robust human data are lacking. While some small clinical studies and case reports suggest potential benefits, there are no large-scale randomized controlled trials establishing beta-glucan as a standard therapy for radiation sickness in humans. Most clinical use has focused on adjunctive support for immune recovery during chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer, rather than acute radiation syndrome. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA have not approved beta-glucan for this indication. Therefore, while the scientific basis is plausible and supported by animal research, the overall evidence in humans is limited, and its use for radiation sickness remains investigational.

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