All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(1460 products available)
Ready to Ship
The beta-glucan supplement comes in several types. The differences come in their composition and intended effect. These types are:
Yeast-derived beta-glucan
This is one of the most concentrated forms of beta glucan supplements. It usually comes in powder and pill forms. It is extracted from the cell walls ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of yeast. It contains an 85% concentration of beta-glucans. Research also indicates that yeast beta-glucan has immune-boosting properties.
Oat beta-glucan
This glucan is derived from the oats’ soluble fiber. However, it has a lower concentration than yeast-extracted beta-glucan. It is mostly available in powdered form. This type of beta-glucan is however not extracted for supplements only. It is mainly used as a food additive in multiple foods like cereals, baked goods, and beverages.
Barley beta-glucan
Just like oat-extracted beta-glucan, barley beta-glucan is also sourced from the cereal grains’ cell walls. It is commonly found in whole barley grains and barley flour. This glucan helps support heart health and enhances digestion.
Reishi mushroom beta-glucan
It comes from the renowned medicinal fungi known as Ganoderma lucidum. It is however present in lower concentrations compared to yeast and oats. This beta-glucan is often extracted for use in traditional medicine to boost immunity and fight infections.
Coral beta-glucan
This is a rare kind of beta-glucan. It is extracted from the cell walls of red algae or coral powder. Research is still ongoing about the effects of this beta-glucan. Most manufacturers utilize coral beta-glucan for its potential antioxidant properties.
Immune system support
Yeast beta-glucans activate immune cells like macropahes and neutrophils. This increases the body’s disease-fighting capability.
Heart health
Beta-glucans reduce cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream. This is done by creating a gel-like substance in the gut. As a result, there is less LDL, the bad cholesterol, and higher HDL, the good cholesterol. This reduces the chances of one getting heart-related diseases. Also, by helping to regulate blood sugar levels, beta glucan helps maintain a healthy weight, which is directly linked to better heart health.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Beta-glucans are soluble fibers that slow carbohydrate absorption in the body. This helps to prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar. By moderating blood sugar levels, beta-glucans are very helpful for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes. These include people with a family history of diabetes.
Bloating and digestive health
Beta-glucans can enhance gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful bacteria. These are the bacteria that are primarily responsible for digesting the soluble part of beta-glucan. This leads to the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are crucial for gut health as they support the colon cells, boost the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Wound Healing
Beta-glucan is found in the cell walls of the fungi yeast and cereal grains. It is a vital immune modulator used for wound care. When applied topically, beta-glucan stimulates skin macrophages. These are the cells that begin the healing process. They do this by fighting microbes and increasing tissue repair and regeneration.
In many cases, beta-glucan is thought of as simply a health supplement. However, its versatility and beneficial properties have made it a valuable component across several industries beyond pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Food and beverage industry
Beta-glucans are extracted from oats and barley and are increasingly being used as functional food ingredients. They are primarily added to cereals, baked goods, and dairy products to improve dietary fiber content. Oat and barley beta-glucan isolated from their natural sources is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, or texture enhancer in foods and beverages. This is due to their unique viscoelastic properties. These fibers are now more commonly added to plant-based milk alternatives and juices to help regulate and control blood cholesterol levels.
Cosmetics and personal care products
Beta-glucan is a highly sought-after skincare ingredient in the cosmetic industry. This is due to its excellent moisturizing and skin-repairing properties. It can be found in creams, serums, and masks where it acts as a humectant that binds and retains skin moisture. It is however not limited to just hydration. Beta-glucan is also added to cosmetics for its antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. By reducing skin inflammation, beta-glucan soothes irritated skin and promotes faster healing. Because of this, it is often included in products designed for sensitive skin or those that are naturally prone to irritation.
Animal health and nutrition
Beta-glucans derived from yeast are increasingly being incorporated as immune-boosting supplements into animal feed. They are helpful for livestock and pets as they enhance their body immunity by simulating the animal’s immune response. This prepares the immune system to better fight off diseases and infections. In veterinary treatments, beta-glucans are combined with other medicinal ingredients to make powerful natural remedies for different infections and diseases. They are also used as a prebiotic to promote gut health and support better nutrient absorption.
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Beta-glucans are employed as drug delivery systems in biotechnology. These polysaccharides can be modified to carry drugs in a targeted manner, enhancing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. In cancer therapy, beta-glucans stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack tumors. They are also utilized in wound dressings that promote healing through sustained release of bioactive compounds.
There are several considerations that a buyer should make when selecting beta-glucan pills. These factors determine the effectiveness, ease of use, and safety of the supplement.
Source
Beta-glucan is sourced from a variety of sources. These include oats, barley, yeast, and mushrooms. Each source has its unique concentration and form of beta-glucan. Yeast-extracted glucan is preferred for immune support. On the other hand, oat or barley glucan is commonly used for cholesterol management and gut health. Buyers should go for supplements that are made with pure beta-glucan extracted from high-quality sources.
Concentration and potency
These two factors greatly influence a supplement's effectiveness. They are dependent on the source and extraction method of the beta-glucan. Normally, the recommended concentration for immune support is a 1-3 mg daily dosage of yeast-extracted beta-glucan. For heart health and gut support, lower concentrations of barley or oat glucan are usually sufficient. To avoid any possible adverse effects caused by highly concentrated supplements, always consult a medical professional who will, in turn, offer personalized advice based on individual health needs.
Form
Beta-glucan supplements come in various formulations, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid form. Capsules and tablets are the most preferred forms due to their convenience. Powders offer more flexibility for those who wish to customize their dosage. Consider personal preferences and lifestyle when choosing the form of supplement.
Purity and quality
Look for supplements that are labeled “pure” or “highly purified” to avoid fillers or contaminants. These impurities not only reduce the supplement's effectiveness but are also likely to cause adverse effects to sensitive users. Beta-glucan supplements made from high-quality sources often contain additional beneficial nutrients. These include vitamins or minerals that improve the supplements' overall effectiveness.
Third-party testing and certification
These tests and certifications help verify the supplement’s purity, potency, and quality. These third-party labs are able to check the supplement for potentially harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, molds, and microbes, which the manufacturers may have missed. Supplements that have been tested by certified third-party laboratories often come with a seal on the packaging. This seal usually indicates that the product is in compliance with industry standards. Products bearing such seals are often more trusted than those without them.
Allergens and additives
Some beta-glucan supplements include extra ingredients to boost the supplement's effectiveness. For example, some contain vitamin C to bolster immune support. However, others might contain additives or allergens like gluten, dairy, or artificial colors and preservatives. These could cause adverse reactions to some users. It is recommended that buyers check the ingredient list carefully to avoid negative side effects.
It is not widely recommended to take multiple supplements concurrently without professional guidance. Doing so can result in excessive dosages of certain compounds, which can potentially cause adverse side effects. For example, taking two beta-glucan supplements at the same time, one from oats and another from yeast, will lead to an excessive intake that may disrupt the natural balance within the body. Additionally, multiple supplements can cause risky interactions that can negate the positive effects of the supplements or harm the user. To avoid these negative scenarios, users are advised to consult a healthcare professional first before progressing with the supplements.
When taken in the right recommended amounts, beta-glucans are generally safe with very few side effects. The most common side effects are digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This is especially the case for high-fiber formulations, which can cause discomfort. Some users may experience allergic reactions to certain beta-glucan powder sources, particularly those derived from yeast or fungi. Symptoms may include skin rashes, itching, or gastrointestinal disturbances. In some cases, beta-glucans interact with medications such as immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, or diabetes drugs.
To maintain their potency and effectiveness, it is important to store beta-glucan supplements properly. They should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat exposure. One should avoid storing them in humid areas such as the bathroom. This is because moisture can promote mold growth and degrade the supplement. Always keep the supplements in their original airtight containers to prevent contamination and keep them from moisture and air exposure. Some beta-glucan supplements may require refrigeration, particularly liquid or powder formulations, to extend their shelf life.
Beta glucan is generally safe to take with other vitamins and supplements such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and multivitamins. These supplements offer synergistic effects to boost overall health. However, certain medications and some specific supplements may interact with beta glucans and cause adverse effects. These medications include immunosuppressants and anticoagulants. To avoid such negative effects, users need to seek medical consultation to help determine compatibility, especially when combining multiple supplements.
