Dr. Maziar Divangahi was interviewed for the Radio Canada Découverte Episode that presented the promises of new dietary supplements – in search of a magic potion. Many dietary supplements promise better performance or focus, but do they really work? This segment explored what science actually says behind the hype.
Dr. Maziar Divangahi discusses his research on β-glucans, naturally occurring sugars found in mushrooms, yeast, and bacteria, which are often marketed as immune-boosting supplements. His work, conducted primarily in mouse models, explores how β-glucans can modulate the immune response during severe respiratory infections such as COVID-19.
Dr. Divangahi explains that in many critical illnesses, including COVID-19, patients end up in the ICU not only because of the infection itself, but because of excessive inflammation and lung damage caused by an overactive immune response. In preclinical models, β-glucans appear to reduce harmful inflammation in the lungs, potentially limiting tissue damage.
He also notes that earlier studies from the 1960s and 1970s suggested β-glucans could reduce cancer cell growth, but emphasizes an important caution: most of this evidence comes from animal and cell studies. At present, it remains unclear what happens when humans consume β-glucans as supplements, and whether the effects seen in the lab translate safely and effectively to people.
His message underscores the episode’s broader theme: promising biological effects do not automatically mean proven health benefits in humans, and more rigorous clinical studies are needed before drawing conclusions.
Watch the Episode
Les promesses des nouveaux suppléments alimentaires. À la recherche de la potion magique. De nombreux suppléments promettent d’améliorer nos performances physiques ou cognitives, comme les poudres de préentraînement et les adaptogènes. Mais leurs bienfaits sont-ils validés par la science? Épisode du dimanche 16 novembre 2025.
Dr. Maziar Divangahi’s interview starts at ~15 minutes.