Beta-Glucan
Synopsis of Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is a type of soluble dietary fiber composed of glucose polysaccharides, naturally found in the cell walls of oats, barley, mushrooms, yeast, and seaweed. Known for its ability to modulate the immune system and support cardiovascular and metabolic health, beta-glucan is widely used in both clinical nutrition and functional food formulations.
The two most studied types of beta-glucan are:
- Cereal-derived beta-glucans (from oats and barley), which form a gel-like substance in the gut and support:
- Lowering LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol
- Regulating blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity
- Improving satiety and digestive health
- Yeast- and mushroom-derived beta-glucans (e.g., from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, shiitake, reishi), which have unique immune-modulating properties:
- Enhancing innate immune responses, including macrophage and NK cell activity
- Supporting immune balance during infections, cancer therapies, or immune suppression
- Reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
Beta-glucan is often included in heart health supplements, immune formulas, functional cereals, and medical nutrition products. It is recognized by health authorities like the FDA and EFSA for its proven cholesterol-lowering effects when consumed at doses of 3 grams per day from oats or barley.
Historical Use:
While the isolated compound “beta-glucan” was characterized in the 20th century, its natural sources have been used in traditional diets and medicine for centuries:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), medicinal mushrooms like reishi and maitake—rich in beta-glucans—were used to strengthen immunity, enhance vitality, and prolong life.
In Ayurveda, barley and oats were considered digestive tonics that helped regulate agni (digestive fire) and blood sugar, indirectly reflecting their fiber content.
Folk remedies in Europe often included barley water or mushroom broths for convalescence and immune support.
Today, beta-glucans are embraced in modern wellness for their dual role in cardiovascular and immune health, serving as a bridge between nutrition, immunity, and chronic disease prevention. Their use spans clinical settings, functional foods, and natural therapies, with a strong evidence base and growing applications in gut health, immunity, and metabolic balance.
Beta-Glucan is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colds (prevention) (Scientific)
Convalescence (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Radiation Sickness (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Ulcers (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
Beta-Glucan is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Peyer’s patches (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)
Products containing Beta-Glucan
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Immune Stimulator
Nature's Sunshine Proactazyme®
