Graded against 178,763 supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD
Larch Arabinogalactan
SupplementLast updated
AVELOR SUMMARY
Larch arabinogalactan (LA) is a branched polysaccharide from Western larch tree wood (Larix occidentalis).
Our research shows it functions as both a prebiotic fiber (increases Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and an immune stimulant (enhances NK cell cytotoxicity).
A 2013 study found 4.5g/day LA increased IgG antibody response to pneumococcal vaccine by 53%, a meaningful immune enhancement.
It's FDA GRAS, dissolves completely in water with no taste, and has excellent GI tolerance (less bloating than inulin).
The dual prebiotic + immune mechanism makes it unique among fibers.
WHAT IT DOES
Larch arabinogalactan: (1) Prebiotic fermentation, gut bacteria (particularly Bifidobacterium) ferment arabinogalactan to SCFAs (butyrate, propionate, acetate), promoting beneficial microbiome composition; (2) Complement activation, LA activates the complement system via the alternative pathway, enhancing opsonization and pathogen clearance; (3) Macrophage activation, LA binds to macrophage surface receptors, stimulating phagocytosis and cytokine production (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α); (4) NK cell enhancement, increases NK cell cytotoxicity (mechanism not fully elucidated, may involve macrophage-derived cytokines that activate NK cells); (5) IgG enhancement, improves antibody response to vaccination.
OPTIMAL DOSAGE
Look for: ResistAid® brand; Larix occidentalis or L. laricina source; GRAS certified; powder form; 1.5-4.5g per serving
Avoid: Unspecified "arabinogalactan" without larch source; liquid extracts (less standardized)
Minimum effective dose: 1.5g/day
Third-party tested brands: Swanson (ResistAid), NOW Foods, Source Naturals
Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.