Tag: Alpha glucan

All glucans are polysaccharides constructed from repeating units of D-glucose monomers, but their specific properties depend on their source and structure. These versatile compounds serve diverse biological functions, from energy storage in glycogen to providing structural support in fungal cell walls.

With over 20,000 studies published on glucan, confusion persists: is beta-glucan the same as glucan? The scientific answer is no; a beta-glucan is a specific type of glucan, and their precise molecular structure dictates everything from their source to their health impacts.

Recent scientific studies have highlighted the significant health benefits of complex carbohydrates, particularly glucans. While both alpha- and beta-glucans are polysaccharides composed of D-glucose units, the specific way these units are linked together creates a crucial difference between alpha and beta-glucans, leading to vastly different roles in the body.