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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions - and answers....

Glucasan products (click here for FAQ's on Pro-Ferm).

For more information on Glucasan/Glucamune - dose, content, size etc.. Click here

1. What are beta-glucans?
   Glucans are large carbohydrate molecules made up of multiple units of glucose. They harmlessly mimic microorganisms.
    
2. If beta glucans are made up of glucose, are they safe for diabetics?
   1-3, 1-6 beta glucans do not break down into glucose, and are safe for diabetics or any one with blood sugar problems.
    

3. What are the 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans derived from?
   They are derived from a very highly refined and purified version of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or bakers yeast.
    
4. Which should I chose - Glucasan+ or Glucamune?
   Glucasan+ has added zinc and copper - essential minerals for good immune function. Glucamune has no added minerals so is suitable for those taking additional mineral supplements, children and infants and those on a high doses used in a combination with cancer treatments.
    
5. Are there any side effects, conflicts with other medicines, complications or allergic reactions to beta-glucans?
   No conflicts or problems of any sort have been encountered in several years of widespread use. Occasionally, on first use, the immune reaction can feel briefly like the onset of mild illness but this passes very quickly.
    
6. Are they suitable for children, infants and pregnant mothers?
   Yes beta-glucan is natural and entirely safe. Children and infants should restrict their dose to one capsule per day and if necessary the capsule can be opened and sprinkled on food.
    
7. Is there a maximum of tablets one can take and are there any potential ill effects from overdose?
   Doses additional to those recommended will have little effect. 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans are safe even in very large doses.
    
8. Should I take the capsules with or before food?
   Ideally before food to improve absorption but if you have a fragile stomach or find capsules difficult to swallow then with a milk drink or during a meal is ok. Capsules can also be opened and sprinkled on food.
    
9. How long before the support works with your body after you have taken the capsules?
   It can take take up to 48 hours for the support to get up to speed. From then on it simply needs to be sustained by regular use of the capsules in accordance with the instructions.
    
10. Why are there other substances in the capsule and what do they do?
    There are very tiny amounts of added minerals, zinc, magnesium, silicon and copper. These are essential trace elements crucial to immune support.
     
11. Why is Glucasan+ so expensive when yeast is so cheap?
    1-3, 1-6 beta glucans need to be very carefully refined, for two critical reasons. First, the material must be purified and the particle size must be carefully controlled, to enhance bioavailability and to achieve maximal absorption. (Beta Glucan particles need to be less than 20µ to be maximally effective). Second, the receptors that trigger the immune system are fragile and cannot be damaged during a series very carefully controlled purification processes.
     
12. Can I have tablets instead of capsules and is there an advantage of one over the other?
    Tablets require a good deal of tabletting material, whereas capsules allow the use of pure 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans. Hence, one capsule can contain twice as much of the active material as an equivalent weight tablet. Additionally, poor tablet design can greatly reduce bioavailability of the active ingredients.
     
13. Can I give the capsules to my pet to cut down on vets bills? And if so, in what dosage?
    1-3, 1-6 beta glucans are effective in animals and are widely used in animal husbandry. For cats and dogs, a half capsule / day will be sufficient. Pigs would require 1 to 2 capsules / day, horses 4 – 8; the dose is roughly proportional to bodyweight.
     
14. When is my immune system not as good as it should be?
    The immune system can be compromised by many factors including excessive stress, diabetes and poor eating habits. Immunity can also be impaired by certain medication, drug and alcohol use. In some cases also athletes on intensive training regimes can find their immunity levels reduced. A general lack of immune stimulation, as a general result of our sanitised and antiseptic environment is however, the main cause of your innate immune system not performing at its best.
     
15. Have young people a better immune system than older people?
    Many older people do have reduced immune function, but this is not necessarily due to ageing, but more often to poor nutrition. As increasing numbers of younger people are also poorly nourished, impaired immunity can be found in all age groups.
     
16. Should I take the capsules before I go into hospital?
    Yes. Hospitalisation means stress, exposure to other ill people – and the distinct possibility of ‘superbugs’ so your system needs all the support it can get.
     
17. Why do some people come down with every bug going, while others remain unaffected? Is it to do with beta glucans?
    It may be. Some people are better defended against infection because, for a variety of reasons, their immune systems are in better shape. This may also be because they are generally better nourished.
     
18. I thought beta glucans were prebiotics - in oats and grains - which improve colesterol and keep you regular. Is Glucasan+ the same thing?
    No. Prebiotic compounds in cereals are 1-3, 1-4 beta glucans and they have no effect on immune function. These are completely different from the 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans in Glucasan+.
     
19. I'm allergic to various things - will Glucasan make that problem worse?
    No allergic reactions have been detected with Glucasan, even among people with pre-existing allergies. However, if you do notice any reaction, stop taking the supplement and consult a health professional.
     
20. I have an auto-immune disease - can I take Glucasan?
    Patients with auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have taken beta glucan food supplements without any problems.
     
21. I suffer from Candida; can I still take Glucasan+?
    No problem. 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans are derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is totally unrelated to Candida.
     
22. I felt feverish/had a sore throat when I started taking Glucasan - is this a coincidence?
    Quite often the uprating of immune function is heralded by a physical effect like fever or sore throat (as in the onset of illness); as part of what the Glucasan does is to (harmlessly) mimic a general bacterial threat. This will pass fairly quickly as your innate immune function gets up to speed.
     
23. Does Glucasan+ have to be stored in a fridge?
    No, but it is best stored in a cool place.
     
24. How can I order?
    Click here to buy from us on-line or phone 0870 042 8423 and ask for Glucasan or Glucamune or visit your local Pharmacy or Chemist Shop and if they don't stock it they can order it for you.
     
25. Are there other things to naturally support my immune system?
    Aloe vera, Echinacea, shiitake and meitake mushrooms and other natural materials have been shown to provide immune system support. In some cases, the active molecules are similar to the 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans in Saccharomyces cerevisiase; but they are not as well researched, and not necessarily as supportive most particularly because there are no established efficacy standards for them.
     
26. Can I buy Glucasan+ in bulk?
    Please email info@vitalizehealth.com for any trade or bulk orders.