Yeast-Derived β-Glucan Reduces Intestinal Injury in Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

β(1-3)-D-Glucan’s (glucans) are natural products found in yeast, mushrooms, grains and seaweed. β-Glucans represent a group of heterogeneous polysaccharides (both chemically and physicochemically) with strong immunomodulatory capabilities. Natural glucans are found mainly in whole grains, yeast, and mushroom. They represent a complex group of chemically heteregenous polysaccharides with significant immunomodulatory activities. Glucans are available in many dietary supplements; therefore, they can be easily used as complementary and alternative medicine. In addition to many animal studies where glucans were found to be active in a wide range of species (basically from shrimp to horses) the effects of glucans have been also examined in humans. Recently, a series of clinical studies showed strong effects on the treatment of children with chronic respiratory problems [1,2].