This yeast supplement may boost cancer-fighting immunity
Researchers have discovered that a yeast-based dietary supplement can strengthen immune cells in obese mice, potentially improving their ability to fight cancer. The study suggests that yeast beta-glucan may help restore immune function compromised by obesity.
Why it matters
This research offers a potential nutritional strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of obesity on immune response and cancer treatment efficacy.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin (UCD) have found that a yeast-based dietary supplement can strengthen immune cells involved in fighting cancer in mice.
In experiments with obese laboratory mice, the researchers found that adding the supplement to the animals' diets changed the way immune cells developed and produced stronger cancer-fighting responses.
Obesity can interfere with immune function, making it more difficult for the body to respond effectively to tumors. The new findings suggest that a yeast-based supplement could potentially help restore some of that lost immune activity.
The research was published in the scientific journal Cell Reports . The study was led by Frederick Sheedy, Associate Professor in Immunology in Trinity's School of Biochemistry and Immunology, and Helen Roche, Professor in Nutrigenomics, UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science and Director of the UCD Conway Institute.
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