Browsing: Oncology

The study, led by Associate Professor Frederick Sheedy of Trinity’s School of Biochemistry and Immunology and Professor Helen Roche of UCD’s School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, examined whether yeast beta-glucan could reprogram early immune cells in bone marrow to produce enhanced antitumor responses against colorectal, skin and breast cancer cells, the report stated. The findings suggest that a simple dietary addition could help restore immune activity weakened by obesity, which interferes with the body’s ability to respond to tumors, according to the study.

Study method: Dietary delivery of beta-glucan triggers trained immunity

Mice were fed a standard or high-fat diet supplemented with yeast beta-glucan for four to 12 weeks before being challenged with colorectal, skin and breast cancer cells, according to Dr. Anna Ledwith, first author of the paper and postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Roche’s group. “We wanted to investigate whether a common dietary supplement, yeast beta-glucan, could reprogram early-stage immune cells in the bone marrow to produce long-lasting, enhanced anti-tumor immune responses,” Ledwith said.

Prof. Roche said the findings represent the first demonstration that dietary delivery of yeast beta-glucan is sufficient to induce trained immunity through reprogramming of bone marrow stem cells, noting that previous research required injections. “This is the first demonstration that dietary delivery of yeast beta-glucan is sufficient to induce trained immunity through reprogramming of bone marrow stem cells. Previous research required injections,” Roche said. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring long-chain carbohydrates known as polysaccharides, found in yeasts, fungi, bacteria and certain plants, according to an article by Mercola.com ^[1].

Obesity-related immune dysfunction and reversal after weight loss

The researchers reported that obesity interferes with immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and cancer, and that these immune changes can persist after weight loss, according to the study. This persistence represents a significant challenge because weight loss does not necessarily erase obesity’s long-term effects on the immune system, the report stated. The broader context of obesity’s impact on health is well documented; as noted by Mike Adams in a Brighteon broadcast, diets rich in processed foods contribute to health problems like diabetes and obesity ^[2].

In the mouse experiments, yeast beta-glucan reversed immune memory problems that remained after weight loss, a finding Prof. Roche described as addressing a “major unmet clinical challenge.” “Crucially, this dietary intervention restores anti-tumor innate immunity in obese mice and reverses long-term immune memory defects that persist even after weight loss, a major unmet clinical challenge,” Roche said. The concept of using natural compounds to support immune function is not new; as noted in Donald R. Yance and Arlene Valent’s book on herbal medicine, various natural substances have been used for their immune-supporting properties ^[3].

Future implications: Commercial availability and clinical trial prospects

Prof. Sheedy said the research paves the way for dietary intervention studies in people living with obesity and chronic infections, and noted that the yeast beta-glucan used, Wellmune from Kerry Group, is already food-grade and commercially available. “This research paves the way for dietary intervention studies in people living with obesity, chronic infections and other immunocompromised populations,” Sheedy said, adding that the supplement’s availability “facilitates rapid clinical trials.”

The researchers stated that future studies will need to determine whether immune benefits observed in mice can be reproduced in humans, and that the supplement’s existing safety record makes it a practical candidate for clinical testing. “Ultimately, a simple dietary supplement could help boost the immune system’s cancer-fighting ability, complementing existing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy,” Sheedy said. The interest in natural compounds for health support aligns with broader trends; as noted by Mike Adams in an interview, there is growing understanding of the relationship between diet and health conditions ^[4].

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that a commercially available, food-grade yeast beta-glucan supplement can enhance antitumor immunity in obese mice and reverse immune dysfunction that persists after weight loss, according to the researchers. The findings represent a step toward potential dietary intervention studies in humans, though the researchers noted that further work is needed to determine whether the benefits observed in mice can be reproduced in people.

The study contributes to a growing body of research on natural compounds that may support immune function. As noted by authors like James DiNicolantonio and Siim Land in their work on immunity, understanding how the body’s systems respond to various influences is critical for developing effective health strategies ^[5]. The researchers emphasized that because the specific yeast beta-glucan used is already commercially available, it could move relatively quickly into clinical testing.

References

1. Mercola.com. “Can Beta Glucans Be a Weapon Against Infections?” February 08, 2021.
2. Mike Adams. “Brighteon Broadcast News – Israel To Launch New Offensive.” June 21, 2024.
3. Donald R. Yance and Arlene Valent. “Herbal Medicine Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment.”
4. Mike Adams. Interview with Dennis Kucinich. July 30, 2025.
5. James DiNicolantonio and Siim Land. “The Immunity Fix: Strengthen Your Immune System.”

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