Beta-glucan

β-Glucans (beta-glucans) comprise a group of β-D-glucose polysaccharides naturally occurring in the cell walls of cereals, yeast, bacteria, and fungi, with significantly differing physicochemical properties dependent on source. Typically, β-glucans form a linear backbone with 1-3 β-glycosidic bonds but vary with respect to molecular mass, solubility, viscosity, branching structure, and gelation properties, causing diverse physiological effects in animals.

The positive health effects of β-glucan have been demonstrated through extensive research, but differ by type: yeast and medicinal mushroom derived β-glucans are notable for their ability to modulate the immune system, while cereal β-glucan is known for cholesterol-lowering, glucose modulation, and cosmetic applications. More recent studies have shown cereal β-glucan may also exhibit immunomodulatory properties. β-glucans are further used in various nutraceutical and cosmetic products, as texturing agents, and as soluble fiber supplements, but can be problematic in the process of brewing. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the potential of β-glucans in pharmaceutical applications.