Last update
5/3/2026
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Powder (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
100 mg
*
Maitake Mushroom Powder (Grifola frondosa)
160 mg
*
📅 Last updated:

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Beta glucan enhances immune response
We aimed to understand if baker's yeast beta glucan (BG) could boost immunity in people experiencing the effects of intense exercise. In two separate experiments with a combined total of 242 participants, we found that BG led to a significant 37% reduction in cold and flu symptoms following a marathon.

Additionally, BG showed a 32% increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) two hours after strenuous cycling. These findings suggest that beta glucan can improve immune function and may help reduce sickness after heavy exercises.
Read More
8
Beta-glucan reduces flu symptoms
We evaluated the effects of a beta-glucan supplement, Wellmune, on women experiencing moderate stress. Over 12 weeks, we compared the experiences of those taking Wellmune with a placebo group.

Women in the Wellmune group reported significantly fewer upper respiratory symptoms, with only 10% affected compared to 29% in the placebo group.

Additionally, they rated their overall mood and energy levels more favorably, suggesting that Wellmune may enhance psychological well-being alongside boosting immune support.
Read More
We examined various studies on beta-glucans, derived from fungi, to understand their effects on flu and overall health. Through a systematic review of thirty-four randomized controlled trials, we noted that these polysaccharides might strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing flu symptoms and other respiratory infections.

However, while results indicated some improvements in mood and well-being among participants, the variations in immune response at a cellular level leave us wanting more clarity. Overall, beta-glucans are well-tolerated and show promise, but further research is essential to confirm these findings.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Prevents flu symptoms
49 people found this helpful
I never go without this supplement during cold/flu season. I take this alongside Colloidal Silver, providing excellent antibacterial and antiviral protection. You'll forget what the flu even is with these!
Read More
9
Remarkable flu protection
40 people found this helpful
I’ve taken this product for over a year while working in an environment full of contagious diseases. During the flu outbreak this season, everyone wondered why I didn’t catch it. I attribute my health to Beta 1.3/1.6 Glucan and diligent hand washing. I have not even experienced my annual sinus infection since taking this product—absolutely no side effects!
Read More
10
Long-term flu prevention
3 people found this helpful
For more than two years, I've been using this to boost my immune system, and remarkably, I've managed to avoid the flu. Betaglucan is brilliant!
Read More

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Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.1
  • All Researches
8
Beta glucan enhances immune response
We aimed to understand if baker's yeast beta glucan (BG) could boost immunity in people experiencing the effects of intense exercise. In two separate experiments with a combined total of 242 participants, we found that BG led to a significant 37% reduction in cold and flu symptoms following a marathon.

Additionally, BG showed a 32% increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) two hours after strenuous cycling. These findings suggest that beta glucan can improve immune function and may help reduce sickness after heavy exercises.
Read More
8
Beta-glucan reduces flu symptoms
We evaluated the effects of a beta-glucan supplement, Wellmune, on women experiencing moderate stress. Over 12 weeks, we compared the experiences of those taking Wellmune with a placebo group.

Women in the Wellmune group reported significantly fewer upper respiratory symptoms, with only 10% affected compared to 29% in the placebo group.

Additionally, they rated their overall mood and energy levels more favorably, suggesting that Wellmune may enhance psychological well-being alongside boosting immune support.
Read More
8
New treatment shows significant improvement
In our study, we aimed to see if a new treatment, which includes colloidal silver and carbossimetyl beta glucan, could help relieve nasal congestion in children with viral rhinitis. We compared this treatment with saline solution in a group of 100 children aged 0-12 years.

Both treatments led to improvements in nasal symptoms. However, we found that the new treatment performed significantly better, leading to greater reductions in symptoms as measured by the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS). This suggests that the combination of colloidal silver and beta glucan could be a more effective option for helping kids breathe easier.
Read More
We examined various studies on beta-glucans, derived from fungi, to understand their effects on flu and overall health. Through a systematic review of thirty-four randomized controlled trials, we noted that these polysaccharides might strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing flu symptoms and other respiratory infections.

However, while results indicated some improvements in mood and well-being among participants, the variations in immune response at a cellular level leave us wanting more clarity. Overall, beta-glucans are well-tolerated and show promise, but further research is essential to confirm these findings.
Read More
7
Beta glucan reduces flu symptoms
In a thoughtful controlled study, we looked at the effects of a dairy beverage containing yeast β-glucan on flu-like symptoms among marathon runners. Participants drank either the β-glucan drink or a control beverage over a 91-day period surrounding the marathon.

While the overall frequency and duration of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) remained similar between both groups, those who followed the β-glucan regimen reported fewer symptomatic days and less severe symptoms, especially with nasal discharge and sore throat.

Surprisingly, those consuming β-glucan also missed fewer workout days due to illness. Overall, this suggests that while β-glucan might not reduce the incidence of URTIs, it does appear helpful in easing their symptoms.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.7
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Prevents flu symptoms
49 people found this helpful
I never go without this supplement during cold/flu season. I take this alongside Colloidal Silver, providing excellent antibacterial and antiviral protection. You'll forget what the flu even is with these!
Read More
9
Remarkable flu protection
40 people found this helpful
I’ve taken this product for over a year while working in an environment full of contagious diseases. During the flu outbreak this season, everyone wondered why I didn’t catch it. I attribute my health to Beta 1.3/1.6 Glucan and diligent hand washing. I have not even experienced my annual sinus infection since taking this product—absolutely no side effects!
Read More
10
Long-term flu prevention
3 people found this helpful
For more than two years, I've been using this to boost my immune system, and remarkably, I've managed to avoid the flu. Betaglucan is brilliant!
Read More
9
Effective flu treatment
3 people found this helpful
It works! This works for me even better than Tamiflu. When I feel unwell, I start taking two of these daily and avoid getting sick. With an autoimmune condition, I must do everything to stay healthy!
Read More
9
Rapid flu recovery
14 people found this helpful
Excellent! These are miraculous. After being ill with a cold/flu for a week, I felt better almost immediately after starting these (four every four hours) on an empty stomach. I believe they're aiding my recovery post-knee surgery, and I've never had issues with potency from NOW products as I have with cheaper alternatives.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.

References

  1. Vlassopoulou M, Yannakoulia M, Pletsa V, Zervakis GI, Kyriacou A. Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Food Funct. 2021;12:3366. 10.1039/d1fo00122a
  2. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Soluble and Insoluble Yeast -Glucan Differentially Affect Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Marathon Runners: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Med Food. 2020;23:416. 10.1089/jmf.2019.0076
  3. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Diet Suppl. 2020;17:200. 10.1080/19390211.2018.1495676
  4. McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10:171. 10.3109/19390211.2013.820248
  5. Talbott SM, Talbott JA. Baker's yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women. J Am Coll Nutr. 2012;31:295. PubMed
  6. Jesenak M, Majtan J, Rennerova Z, Kyselovic J, Banovcin P, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of pleuran (β-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Int Immunopharmacol. 2013;15:395. 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.11.020
  7. Damiani V, Di Carlo M, Grappasonni G, Di Domenico R, Dominici P. Efficacy of a new medical device based on colloidal silver and carbossimetyl beta glucan in treatment of upper airways disease in children. Minerva Pediatr. 2011;63:347. PubMed
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