July 12, 2025

What are Beta-Glucans and why are they importent?

Beta-glucans are key compounds in mushrooms that help boost and balance the immune system. Found in varieties like shiitake and reishi, they support immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. Incorporating beta-glucan-rich mushrooms into your diet is a natural way to enhance wellness.

The Power of Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms: Nature’s Immune Boosters

Mushrooms have long been celebrated not only for their culinary versatility but also for their remarkable health benefits. Among the many bioactive compounds they contain, beta-glucans stand out as a key player in promoting wellness, especially immune health. This article explores what beta-glucans are, why they are important in mushrooms, and how they contribute to our overall health.

What Are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide, which means they are complex carbohydrates made up of chains of glucose molecules. They are found in the cell walls of fungi (including mushrooms), certain bacteria, yeasts, and some cereal grains like oats and barley. However, the beta-glucans in mushrooms have a unique structure that sets them apart from those in grains, giving them distinctive health properties.

In mushrooms, beta-glucans primarily consist of β-1,3-glucans with β-1,6-branches, a molecular arrangement that is more complex and biologically active compared to the β-1,3/1,4 glucans found in cereals. This structural difference is crucial because it determines how beta-glucans interact with the human immune system and other biological processes[6][2].

How Do Beta-Glucans Work in the Body?

Beta-glucans are classified as dietary fibers because they are indigestible by human enzymes. When consumed, they travel through the gastrointestinal tract and exert several beneficial effects. One of their primary roles is as biological response modifiers (BRMs)—they help regulate the immune system by either stimulating or calming immune responses as needed.

In mushrooms, beta-glucans bind to specific receptors on immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. This binding triggers a cascade of immune reactions, including the release of cytokines and chemokines, which help recruit and activate other immune cells. The result is a more efficient immune defence against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even cancer cells[7][3].

Moreover, beta-glucans can help maintain immune balance by up-regulating immune activity when the body is under threat and down-regulating it to prevent excessive inflammation. This dual action makes them valuable for managing immune-related conditions and supporting overall health[3][6].

Health Benefits of Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms

Immune Support:
Beta-glucans are best known for their immune-enhancing properties. They help the body recognize and respond to pathogens more effectively, which can reduce the risk and severity of infections. This immune modulation is why many medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, and maitake have been used traditionally for immune health[1][7].
Cardiovascular Health:
Beta-glucans may help lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the gut and promoting its excretion. This effect can reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, they may improve blood sugar regulation and lipid metabolism, contributing to better cardiovascular outcomes[1][8].
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Beta-glucans exhibit antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This can support overall cellular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases[2][8].
Gut Health and Satiety:
As soluble fibers, beta-glucans form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which slows digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This can aid in weight management and support a healthy gut microbiome[1].

Beta-Glucans as a Quality Marker in Mushroom Products

The concentration of beta-glucans in mushroom supplements is often used as a quality indicator. Since beta-glucans are concentrated in the mushroom’s cell walls, a higher beta-glucan content usually means the product contains more actual mushroom material rather than fillers or mycelium grown on grain substrates. Reliable manufacturers measure beta-glucan levels using validated methods to ensure potency and efficacy[2][6][4].

The Untapped Potential of Mushroom Beta-Glucans

While beta-glucans from cereals and yeasts have been extensively studied, mushroom beta-glucans are gaining attention for their unique and potent health effects. Research suggests that mushroom beta-glucans could be developed further as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals with applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries[5].

Several specific beta-glucans isolated from mushrooms have already been identified and commercialized, such as:

Krestin from Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lentinan from Lentinus edodes (Shiitake)
Schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune
Pleuran from Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom)
Grifolan from Grifola frondosa (Maitake)

These compounds exhibit strong immune-modulating and antimicrobial activities, highlighting the medicinal potential of mushrooms[5].

How to Incorporate Beta-Glucans from Mushrooms Into Your Diet

To harness the benefits of beta-glucans, consuming functional mushrooms either fresh, dried, or as extracts is recommended. Supplements standardised for beta-glucan content ensure you get an effective dose. Popular medicinal mushrooms rich in beta-glucans include:

Reishi
Shiitake
Turkey Tail
Maitake
Lion’s Mane

When selecting supplements, look for products that specify beta-glucan content and use reliable extraction methods to maximise bioavailability[6].

For immune support, the recommended dosage of beta-glucans—particularly those derived from yeast or mushrooms—typically ranges from 100 to 500 mg per day for adults. Clinical studies most often use 250 mg daily for at least 4 weeks to reduce the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Some research indicates that even lower doses (120–200 mg daily) can have beneficial immune effects, though higher doses (up to 500 mg) are more commonly studied and may provide greater benefit, especially during periods of increased immune challenge.
For children, studies have shown that 35–100 mg daily can be effective in supporting mucosal immunity and reducing respiratory infections.
Summary of Dosage Recommendations:
• Adults: 100–500 mg daily (commonly 250 mg)
• Children: 35–100 mg daily
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications

Beta-Glucans: recommended dosing for immunity

For immune support, the recommended dosage of beta-glucans—particularly those derived from yeast or mushrooms—typically ranges from 100 to 500 mg per day for adults. Clinical studies most often use 250 mg daily for at least 4 weeks to reduce the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Some research indicates that even lower doses (120–200 mg daily) can have beneficial immune effects, though higher doses (up to 500 mg) are more commonly studied and may provide greater benefit, especially during periods of increased immune challenge.
For children, studies have shown that 35–100 mg daily can be effective in supporting mucosal immunity and reducing respiratory infections.
Summary of Dosage Recommendations:
• Adults: 100–500 mg daily (commonly 250 mg)
• Children: 35–100 mg daily
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.[11]

To determine the beta-glucan content in mg, you may need to divide the beta-glucan percentage by the recommended mg dosage for the actual extract.

Conclusion

Beta-glucans are powerful polysaccharides found abundantly in mushrooms that play a crucial role in boosting and balancing the immune system. Their unique molecular structure in fungi makes them more biologically active than beta-glucans from other sources. Beyond immune support, they contribute to heart health, blood sugar regulation, and antioxidant protection.

As science continues to uncover their vast potential, beta-glucans from mushrooms stand out as a natural, effective way to enhance health and resilience. Whether through diet or supplements, incorporating mushroom beta-glucans can be a valuable addition to a holistic wellness routine.

Embrace the ancient wisdom of mushrooms and their beta-glucans to support your immune system and overall health—nature’s own biological response modifiers.