Can you get beta-glucan supplements? A comprehensive guide to sources and forms

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

A significant body of research confirms that beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber, are widely available in supplement form. The answer to whether you can get beta-glucan supplements is a clear yes, with various sources and formulations to suit different needs.

Quick Summary

Beta-glucan supplements are widely available from multiple sources, such as yeast, oats, and mushrooms. They come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids, each offering different potential health benefits and properties.

Key Points

Availability Confirmed: Yes, beta-glucan supplements are readily available online and in health food stores from many manufacturers.
Diverse Sources: Supplements are derived from sources like yeast, mushrooms, oats, and barley, each with distinct properties due to structural differences.
Formulation Varies: Beta-glucan is available in capsules, powders, tablets, and liquids, allowing for flexible intake methods.
Source Matters for Benefits: Yeast-derived beta-glucan is often targeted for immune support, while oat/barley-derived beta-glucan focuses on heart health and cholesterol reduction.
Check for Quality: Look for third-party testing on reputable brands to ensure product safety, purity, and potency.
Consult a Doctor: It's advisable to talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take other medications.
Generally Safe: Beta-glucan supplements have been consumed for many years and are generally recognized as safe, with potential for mild digestive side effects.

The Diverse World of Beta-Glucan Sources

Beta-glucan supplements are not created equal, and their source is a key differentiator that dictates their structure, function, and primary health benefits. This is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a supplement. The two main types are differentiated by their molecular linkages and branching. Cereal beta-glucans, typically from oats and barley, feature linear chains with $\beta$-1,3 and $\beta$-1,4 linkages. These are best known for their heart-health benefits, particularly in helping to lower cholesterol levels. Non-cereal beta-glucans, derived from yeast and fungi, possess a more complex, branched structure with $\beta$-1,3 as the main chain and $\beta$-1,6 side branches. This specific structure is what makes them potent immunomodulators.

Common Types of Beta-Glucan Supplements

Since you can get beta-glucan supplements from so many places, they come in several common forms to fit different preferences and uses:

Capsules and Tablets: These are the most common and convenient forms. They offer a pre-measured dose, which makes them easy to take daily and transport. Some popular brands available in capsule form include NOW Foods and Jarrow Formulas.
Powders: Powdered beta-glucan can be mixed into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, or other foods. This form offers flexibility in dosing and is a great option for people who prefer not to swallow pills. Oat beta-glucan powder is a popular choice for cardiovascular benefits.
Liquids: Liquid beta-glucan extracts are also available and can be a good option for those who have trouble with capsules or powders. They can be added to drinks or taken directly. Some specialized products are formulated with additional immune-boosting ingredients.
Gummies and Chewables: These are often marketed for children but are also an easy and palatable option for adults. They are an effective way to deliver the supplement, often with added vitamins.

Choosing the Right Beta-Glucan for Your Needs

To make an informed decision, you must consider the source and linkage of the beta-glucan, your specific health goals, and the product's quality. Here's what to look for:

Identify Your Primary Goal: If your goal is to lower cholesterol and support heart health, look for a supplement or product specifying beta-glucan derived from oats or barley, which contain the $\beta$-1,3/1,4 linkage. For immune support, a product from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or medicinal mushrooms (maitake, shiitake) is typically the most effective, as these provide the crucial $\beta$-1,3/1,6 linkages.
Source and Linkage Transparency: Quality manufacturers will specify the source and type of beta-glucan on the label. This information is vital for ensuring you get the right product for your intended purpose.
Third-Party Testing: Seek brands that have been tested by an independent, third-party organization, such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. This helps verify that the product's purity, potency, and contents match the label claims.
Reputable Retailers: Purchase supplements from reputable online stores and health retailers. Platforms like Amazon, iHerb, and GNC offer a wide variety of beta-glucan products.

Beta-Glucan Supplement Comparison Table


Source	Primary Benefit	Common Forms	Key Considerations
Baker's Yeast ($Saccharomyces cerevisiae$)	Immune support	Capsules, powders, liquids	Most potent for immune-boosting activity due to $\beta$-1,3/1,6 linkage.
Oats / Barley	Heart health, cholesterol reduction	Powders, dietary fiber supplements	Requires specific daily intake for cholesterol benefits. Uses $\beta$-1,3/1,4 linkage.
Mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake)	Immune support	Capsules, extracts, powders	Often combined with other mushroom extracts. Contains $\beta$-1,3/1,6 branches.
Algae ($Euglena gracilis$)	Consistent immune response	Capsules, extracts	Straight-chain structure offers reliable immune signaling.

Where to Find Beta-Glucan Supplements

Beta-glucan supplements are widely accessible through various channels. Online retailers offer the largest selection and convenience. Major platforms like Amazon, iHerb, and Vitamin Shoppe carry numerous brands and formulations. Health food stores like GNC and local independent shops also stock a range of options. Some brands, like Better Way Health and Betaglucare, sell directly from their websites. Checking a variety of sources can help you compare products and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Are Beta-Glucan Supplements Safe?

Beta-glucans have been consumed by people in food and supplements for many years and are generally considered safe for human consumption. However, as with any supplement, there are considerations to keep in mind:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: It is always best to speak with a doctor before adding a beta-glucan supplement to your routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have any underlying medical conditions, or are taking medications, as beta-glucans can potentially interact with immunosuppressants or drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Potential Digestive Side Effects: Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially when first starting a fiber supplement like beta-glucan. Starting with a smaller intake and increasing gradually can help mitigate these effects.
Prioritize a Food-First Approach: While supplements are an excellent way to increase your intake, a food-first approach is often recommended. Including foods rich in beta-glucans, such as oats, barley, and mushrooms, is a great way to boost your fiber intake naturally.

Conclusion

The question of "can you get beta-glucan supplements?" is met with a definitive yes. They are widely available in various forms and derived from different sources, each offering distinct health benefits. By understanding the difference between sources like yeast and oats and looking for quality-assured products from reputable brands, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific wellness goals. Always remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

For more detailed scientific information on the health effects and mechanisms of action, authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health provide extensive research, such as this review on immunomodulatory effects: Immunomodulatory Effect and Biological Significance of β-Glucans.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can buy beta-glucan supplements from many places, including major online retailers like Amazon and iHerb, dedicated health food stores, and pharmacies. Many specific brands also sell directly from their official websites.

Beta-glucan supplements are available in several forms, including easy-to-use capsules and tablets, versatile powders that can be mixed into drinks or food, and liquids or gummies.

No, all beta-glucan supplements are not the same. Their primary difference lies in the source, such as yeast, oats, or mushrooms, which determines their molecular structure and primary health benefits.

The main difference is their structure and primary function. Yeast beta-glucan has a branched structure linked by $\beta$-1,3/1,6 bonds, making it highly effective for immune support. Oat beta-glucan has a linear structure with $\beta$-1,3/1,4 linkages and is primarily recognized for its benefits in lowering cholesterol.

There is no universally recommended amount for beta-glucan intake, as the appropriate amount varies depending on the source and intended use. For certain health goals, specific daily intakes of beta-glucans, such as those from oats, are often discussed in the context of dietary fiber guidelines. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

When purchasing, look for a reputable brand that specifies the source and linkage of the beta-glucan. Opt for products that have undergone third-party testing to ensure safety, purity, and potency, and check for any unnecessary fillers or additives.

Beta-glucan supplements are generally well-tolerated. However, like any fiber supplement, they may cause mild and temporary digestive side effects like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea, especially when first starting.