Supplement
Beta-glucans
SavePolysaccharides from yeast, oats, and mushrooms that modulate innate immune function via dectin-1 receptor activation on macrophages and dendritic cells.
Quick verdict
Oat beta-glucans are well-proven for cholesterol lowering. Yeast-derived (1,3/1,6) beta-glucans have reasonable immune-modulation data. Source and structure matter enormously.
Evidence score
A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.
What the research shows
FDA-approved health claim for oat beta-glucans reducing cholesterol (3 g/day). Yeast beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (e.g. Wellmune) have RCTs showing reduced upper respiratory infection incidence. Mushroom beta-glucans have weaker but growing evidence.
Benefits
- Oat form lowers LDL cholesterol (FDA health claim)
- Yeast form reduces URTI incidence in RCTs
- Activates innate immune pathways
Dosage notes
Oat: 3 g/day for cholesterol. Yeast (1,3/1,6): 250–500 mg/day for immune support.
Side effects
- Bloating and gas (oat form)
- Rare allergic reactions (yeast form)
Who should be cautious
Immunostimulatory properties may be inappropriate in autoimmune conditions. Oat-derived forms contain fibre that may cause bloating.
What this page cannot tell you
Structural differences between sources (oat vs yeast vs mushroom) mean results are not interchangeable. Product quality varies.
Leaderboard scores
- Immunity60
- Longevity35
Featured in protocols
- Immune Support Stackadjunct
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