Best Beta-Glucan Supplements (2026)

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast, oats, mushrooms, and certain algae. These bioactive fibers have been extensively studied for their ability to modulate immune function, support cardiovascular health, and promote healthy cholesterol levels. Whether sourced from baker’s yeast (1,3/1,6-D-glucan) or oats, supplementing with beta-glucan offers a research-backed approach to strengthening the body’s natural defenses.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredient	Form	Best For	Rating
Transfer Point Beta 1,3D Glucan	Beta 1,3D Glucan 100mg	Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
Better Way Health Beta Glucan 500	Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan 500mg	Capsules	Best Premium	9.3/10
NOW Beta-Glucans Extra Strength	Beta-Glucans 250mg + ImmunEnhancer	Veg Capsules	Best Value	9.2/10
Horbäach Beta Glucan 1,3D	Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan 700mg	Capsules	Most Potent	9.0/10
Zooawa Mushroom Supplement with Ergothioneine	Mushroom Beta-Glucans + Ergothioneine	Capsules	Best Mushroom-Based	8.8/10
SOLARAY Beta Glucan	Beta Glucan 200mg	VegCaps	Best Budget Pick	8.7/10
Akkermansia GLP-1 Probiotic with Beta-Glucan	Soluble Beta-Glucan + Probiotics	Capsules	Best for Gut Health	8.6/10

1. Transfer Point Beta 1,3D Glucan – Best Overall

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Transfer Point has built a reputation as the gold standard in beta-glucan supplementation, offering a highly purified beta 1,3D glucan backed by peer-reviewed research from the University of Louisville.

Each capsule delivers 100mg of highly purified beta 1,3D glucan derived from baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The extraction process yields a purity level exceeding 85%, which is significantly higher than most competitors. This product has been featured in double-blind studies demonstrating its ability to enhance immune cell activity, including macrophages and natural killer cells. Transfer Point uses a proprietary purification method that isolates the most immunologically active beta-glucan linkage.

• Pros:
• Research-backed with published peer-reviewed studies
• Highly purified 1,3D glucan form for optimal immune activation
• Over 85% purity level – among the highest available

• Cons:
• Higher price point than many competitors
• Lower per-capsule dose requires multiple capsules for higher doses

Best for: Anyone seeking the most clinically validated beta-glucan supplement with the highest purity standards

2. Better Way Health Beta Glucan 500 – Best Premium

Better Way Health delivers a potent 500mg dose of highly purified 1,3/1,6 beta-glucan per capsule, making it one of the strongest single-capsule options on the market.

This formula provides 500mg of beta-glucan per capsule with a recommended dosage of two capsules daily (1,000mg total). The product has been clinically tested in studies at the University of Louisville that compared it against over 100 other immune products, with results showing superior immune cell activation. Better Way Health sources its beta-glucan from baker’s yeast and emphasizes a purification process that eliminates lipids, proteins, and other contaminants. The supplement is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the USA. For those interested in broader longevity support, beta-glucan pairs well with other immune-supportive compounds.

• Pros:
• 500mg per capsule – one of the highest single-capsule doses
• Outperformed hundreds of immune products in university studies
• Made in USA with strict quality controls

• Cons:
• Premium price point
• Best taken on an empty stomach, which may be inconvenient

Best for: Health-conscious individuals who want the highest-dose, clinically tested beta-glucan in a single capsule

3. NOW Beta-Glucans with ImmunEnhancer – Best Value

NOW Foods combines 250mg of beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan with ImmunEnhancer (larch arabinogalactan) for a dual-action immune support formula at an accessible price.

This extra-strength formula pairs beta-glucans from baker’s yeast with ImmunEnhancer, a trademarked larch tree arabinogalactan that has been independently studied for immune-modulating properties. Each vegetarian capsule contains 250mg of beta-glucans plus 400mg of arabinogalactan. NOW Foods holds NPA A-rated GMP certification, meaning every aspect of the manufacturing process has been third-party verified. The product is free from major allergens including wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, and shellfish.

• Pros:
• Dual-action formula with beta-glucans plus larch arabinogalactan
• NPA A-rated GMP certified manufacturing
• Excellent value for the quality and dosage provided

• Cons:
• Contains magnesium stearate, which some consumers prefer to avoid
• Natural color variation may occur between batches

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a trusted brand with a synergistic immune formula

4. Horbäach Beta Glucan 1,3D 700mg – Most Potent

Horbäach delivers an extra-strength 700mg dose of beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan per serving with 70% beta-glucan content, making it one of the most concentrated options available.

Each serving provides 700mg of beta-glucan powder derived from baker’s yeast, standardized to contain 70% beta-glucans in the 1,3/1,6 linkage form. The quick-release capsules are designed for efficient absorption. Horbäach’s formula is naturally free from gluten, wheat, milk, lactose, soy, and artificial colors or flavoring. The product is non-GMO and laboratory tested for quality assurance. With 90 capsules per bottle, each bottle provides a full 45-day supply at the recommended two-capsule serving.

• Pros:
• High 700mg dose with 70% beta-glucan concentration
• Quick-release capsule design for faster absorption
• Free from common allergens and artificial ingredients

• Cons:
• Contains rice powder and vegetable magnesium stearate as fillers
• Gelatin capsules are not suitable for vegetarians

Best for: Users who want maximum beta-glucan potency per serving at a competitive price

5. Zooawa Mushroom Supplement with Ergothioneine – Best Mushroom-Based

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This innovative formula combines mushroom-derived beta-glucans with ergothioneine, a rare amino acid produced through fermentation that supports cellular health and longevity.

Rather than yeast-derived beta-glucans, this supplement sources its polysaccharides from a blend of medicinal mushrooms. The formula includes 10mg of L-ergothioneine produced through a patented fermentation process, combined with mushroom beta-glucans for comprehensive immune and antioxidant support. Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in high concentrations in mushrooms that acts as a powerful cellular protector. This combination approach targets both immune modulation through beta-glucans and cellular defense through ergothioneine. Those interested in mushroom-based immune support may also want to explore lion’s mane supplements for cognitive benefits.

• Pros:
• Unique combination of mushroom beta-glucans and ergothioneine
• Fermentation-based production ensures consistent potency
• Dual immune and cellular health support

• Cons:
• Lower beta-glucan concentration than dedicated yeast-based products
• Newer product with less long-term consumer feedback

Best for: Those who prefer mushroom-sourced supplements and want combined immune and antioxidant benefits

6. SOLARAY Beta Glucan – Best Budget Pick

SOLARAY provides a straightforward 200mg beta-glucan supplement from baker’s yeast at one of the most affordable price points in the category.

Each VegCap delivers 200mg of beta-glucan fiber with both 1,3 and 1,6 linkages, sourced from the cell wall of baker’s yeast. SOLARAY emphasizes heart, immune, and digestive support with this polybranched fiber. The product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and tested in SOLARAY’s own state-of-the-art lab in Utah. The company uses 100% post-consumer recycled bottles, making it an eco-friendly choice. With 30 servings per bottle and a competitive price, this is an excellent entry-level option for those new to beta-glucan supplementation.

• Pros:
• Very affordable price per serving
• Made in GMP-certified facility with in-house lab testing
• Eco-friendly packaging with 100% recycled bottles

• Cons:
• Lower dose (200mg) may require doubling up for therapeutic effects
• Only 30 servings per bottle

Best for: First-time beta-glucan users or those on a tight budget who want a trusted brand

7. Akkermansia GLP-1 Probiotic with Soluble Beta-Glucan – Best for Gut Health

This innovative formula combines soluble beta-glucan with Akkermansia probiotics and berberine for a multi-targeted approach to gut health, metabolic support, and immune function.

Rather than focusing solely on immune-modulating yeast beta-glucans, this product uses soluble oat beta-glucan as a prebiotic fiber alongside Akkermansia muciniphila probiotics. The delayed-release capsule design ensures the probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines intact. The formula also includes berberine for blood sugar support, making this a comprehensive metabolic and gut health supplement. Soluble beta-glucan from oats has strong clinical evidence for supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For additional gut support, consider pairing with a quality probiotic for bloating.

• Pros:
• Multi-functional formula targeting immune, gut, and metabolic health
• Delayed-release technology for optimal probiotic delivery
• Includes clinically studied Akkermansia probiotic strain

• Cons:
• Beta-glucan is not the primary ingredient – lower dose than dedicated products
• Higher price due to multi-ingredient formula

Best for: Those seeking a comprehensive gut health and metabolic support formula that includes beta-glucan as part of a broader supplement strategy

How to Choose the Best Beta-Glucan Supplement

The most important factor when selecting a beta-glucan supplement is the source and linkage type. Beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan derived from baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has the strongest clinical evidence for immune modulation, while oat-derived beta-glucans are better studied for cholesterol and cardiovascular support. Look for products that specify their glucan linkage type on the label, as this indicates a more refined and targeted product.

Dosage ranges typically fall between 100mg and 1,000mg per day depending on the purpose. For general immune maintenance, 100-250mg daily is commonly recommended. For more targeted immune support, doses of 500-1,000mg are used in clinical studies. Beta-glucan is best absorbed on an empty stomach, taken 30 minutes before meals.

Purity matters significantly with beta-glucan supplements. Higher purity means more of the immunologically active compound and fewer residual proteins, lipids, and other yeast components. Look for products that disclose their purity percentage – products exceeding 85% purity are considered premium grade. Third-party testing and GMP certification provide additional quality assurance.

Capsule form is the most common and convenient delivery method, though powder options exist for those who prefer to mix beta-glucan into beverages. Avoid products with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or unnecessary additives. Vegetarian capsules are available from several manufacturers for those avoiding gelatin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is beta-glucan and what does it do?

Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls of yeast, oats, barley, and certain mushrooms. It works as an immunomodulator, meaning it helps regulate and optimize immune system function rather than simply boosting it. Beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan from yeast activates macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, while oat-derived beta-glucan primarily supports cardiovascular health by helping manage cholesterol levels.

How much beta-glucan should I take daily?

Most clinical studies use doses between 100mg and 500mg of beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan per day for immune support. For cholesterol management using oat beta-glucan, the FDA recognizes 3 grams per day as the effective dose. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually based on your goals and how your body responds.

When is the best time to take beta-glucan?

Yeast-derived beta 1,3/1,6 glucan is best taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before a meal, to maximize absorption and immune cell interaction. Oat-derived beta-glucan for cholesterol support can be taken with meals.

Are there any side effects of beta-glucan?

Beta-glucan is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects. Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, bloating, or gas when first starting supplementation, particularly with higher doses. Those with yeast allergies should use caution with yeast-derived beta-glucan and may prefer mushroom or oat-sourced alternatives.

Can I take beta-glucan with other supplements?

Yes, beta-glucan pairs well with other immune-supportive supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and elderberry. It can also be combined with probiotics for synergistic gut and immune benefits. There are no known significant drug interactions, but consult a healthcare provider if you take immunosuppressive medications.

How long does it take for beta-glucan to work?

Immune cell activation from beta-glucan can begin within hours of ingestion, but noticeable benefits typically develop over two to four weeks of consistent daily use. For cholesterol-lowering effects with oat beta-glucan, most studies show measurable changes within four to eight weeks.

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