Beta 1,3-1,6 glucans stimulate the regeneration of white blood cells after bone marrow suppression caused by radiation, which occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation reduces white blood cell count and leaves the patient vulnerable to infection.

Less obviously it also happens to air travellers who are relatively unprotected by atmospheric shielding and are therefore exposed to increased levels of cosmic radiation. Some also believe that the risks of deliberate exposure to radiation – and biological hazards through bio-terrorism – have increased in line with recent worldwide political tensions.

Laboratory studies show that when beta 1,3-1,6 glucans are given together with a lethal dose of radiation, over 50% of mice survive in contrast to 100% mortality amongst mice who are not given beta glucans. 

References

(1) Patchen '85 '87

Staphylococcus aureus