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Types of Beta-Glucans: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan (Wellmune)Moderate (absorbed via Peyer's patches in gut)Best-studied form for immune support — patented, clinically validated ingredient
Mushroom Beta-GlucansModerateCombined with other mushroom bioactives — found naturally in medicinal mushrooms
Oat Beta-GlucanHigh (soluble fiber)Cholesterol and gut health — different structure (beta-1,3/1,4) with metabolic rather than immune benefits

Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan (Wellmune)

Bioavailability: Moderate (absorbed via Peyer's patches in gut). Best for: Best-studied form for immune support — patented, clinically validated ingredient.

Mushroom Beta-Glucans

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Combined with other mushroom bioactives — found naturally in medicinal mushrooms.

Oat Beta-Glucan

Bioavailability: High (soluble fiber). Best for: Cholesterol and gut health — different structure (beta-1,3/1,4) with metabolic rather than immune benefits.

Full Beta-Glucans Guide

References

  1. RCTAuinger A, Riede L, Bothe G, Busch R, Gruenwald J (2013). Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body's defence against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects. European Journal of Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewNetea MG, Quintin J, van der Meer JW (2011). Trained immunity: a memory for innate host defense. Cell Host & Microbe. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisMuroya M, Nakada K, Maruo K, Hashimoto K (2025). Effects of β-glucans on fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical nutrition. DOI PubMed
  4. Canaan MM, Reis-Canaan JC, Zangerônimo MG, Andrade EF, et al. (2021). Yeast Beta-Glucans Ingestion Does Not Influence Body Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Clinical Studies.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisZhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X (2021). Effects of yeast β-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of nutrition. DOI PubMed
  6. Francelino Andrade E, Vieira Lobato R, Vasques Araújo T, Gilberto Zangerônimo M, et al. (2014). Effect of beta-glucans in the control of blood glucose levels of diabetic patients: a systematic review.. Nutricion hospitalaria. DOI PubMed
  7. ReviewVlassopoulou M, Yannakoulia M, Pletsa V, Zervakis GI, et al. (2021). Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.. Food & function. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Steimbach L, Borgmann AV, Gomar GG, Hoffmann LV, et al. (2021). Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients - A systematic review of clinical trials.. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). DOI PubMed
  2. Coelho JD, Watanabe PH, Andrade TS, Teixeira RAR, et al. (2025). Beta-glucans supplementation for sows during gestation and lactation.. Animal bioscience. DOI PubMed
  3. Jesenak M, Prokopova E, Bozensky J, Bonaci-Nikolic B, et al. (2025). Novel Chewable Pleuran-Based Supplement Decreases Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial.. Advances in therapy. DOI PubMed
  4. Xiao Y, Xiao Y, Wang X, Li X, et al. (2025). Novel formulated food for the elderly regulates specific gut bacterial taxa and improves host physiology.. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.). DOI PubMed
  5. Santamarina AB, Filho VN, de Freitas JA, Franco LAM, et al. (2025). Nutraceutical Blends Promote Weight Loss, Inflammation Reduction, and Better Sleep: The Role of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in Overweight Adults-A Double-Blind Trial.. Molecular nutrition & food research. DOI PubMed