SAFE

Beta-Glucan

Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan

Likely Safe V4 Verified Immune Support

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Upper Safe Limit

3g/day oat beta-glucan (EU health claim threshold); No UL for immune use

PubMed Studies

280

PubChem CID

No ↗

About

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. EU approved health claim: oat/barley beta-glucan contributes to maintenance of normal blood cholesterol (3g/day). Mushroom beta-glucans differ from grain beta-glucans in immune effects.

How it works (mechanism of action)

Oat/barley beta-glucan: viscous gel in gut binds bile acids reducing cholesterol reabsorption. Mushroom beta-glucans: bind dectin-1 receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells activating innate immunity. Yeast beta-glucan: immune modulation via complement receptor.

📊 Effectiveness

Cholesterol reduction

Evidence Grade A · 22 studies · n=3,800 · Meta-analysis available

Likely Effective

Immune function

Evidence Grade B · 14 studies · n=580

Possibly Effective

Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional

👥 Safety by Population

Population	Safety Rating	Max Safe Dose
General	Likely safe	Not established
Pregnancy	Likely safe	Not established
Elderly	Likely safe	Not established

🚫 Contraindications & Warnings

Very safe. May cause GI bloating initially — start low and increase gradually. Grain beta-glucan safe in coeliac if certified oat. Avoid immunomodulatory beta-glucans in severe immunosuppression.

🇪🇺 EU Health Claims Status

Art.13(1)

✓ Authorised

Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1

Art.13(1)

✓ Authorised

Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.

Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1

Art.13(1)

✓ Authorised

Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1

Art.13(1)

✓ Authorised

Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1

🏷️ Other Names

Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan

References (1)

EFSA. EFSA J. 2015;13(7):4186. Regulatory document DOI ↗

Evidence grades: SR = Systematic review / meta-analysis (highest) · RCT = Randomized controlled trial · Reg = Regulatory/official guidance

Data from 84 open sources · IngredIndex

Updated: 2026-03-30

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