Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin say a yeast-based dietary supplement helped strengthen immune cells tied to cancer defense in obese mice.
According to ScienceDaily, the study found that adding yeast beta-glucan to the animals' diets changed how early immune cells developed and led to stronger anti-tumor responses. The mice were then challenged with colorectal, skin and breast cancer cells.
The researchers also looked at whether the supplement could address immune dysfunction linked to obesity and whether any protective effects would remain after weight loss. They say the findings suggest the supplement may help restore some immune activity reduced by obesity.
The work was published in Cell Reports and led by Frederick Sheedy of Trinity's School of Biochemistry and Immunology and Helen Roche of UCD. The team says yeast beta-glucan is already sold as a food-grade supplement, which could make it a candidate for future clinical studies in people.
