Beta-Glucans

Overview

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms, oats, barley, and other foods that have been extensively researched for their immune-modulating properties. In medicinal mushrooms, beta-glucans such as lentinan in Shiitake and the D-fraction in Maitake have shown immune-modulating effects in research. Beta-glucans act as prebiotics, supporting beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing microbial diversity, which contributes to gut barrier integrity and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds may help modulate immune responses and support immune cell function, making them valuable components of foods that support both gut health and immune function.

Recipes

no recipes found

Foods

4 foods containing this substance

Maitake Mushroom

Medicinal mushroom rich in beta-glucans, particularly D-fraction, supporting immune function

Oyster Mushroom

Culinary mushroom rich in beta-glucans and B vitamins, supporting immune function

Shiitake Mushroom

Culinary and medicinal mushroom rich in beta-glucans, supporting immune function and providing umami flavor

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Medicinal mushroom rich in polysaccharides, particularly PSK and PSP, supporting immune function

Biological Mechanisms and Implications

Biological Target	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Act as prebiotics supporting beneficial gut bacteria; enhance microbial diversity; support SCFA production; modulate gut barrier integrity
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Immune-modulating properties; may help reduce inflammatory responses; support immune cell function; specific beta-glucans like lentinan (Shiitake) and D-fraction (Maitake) have been extensively studied for immune support

References

• Beta-glucans in medicinal mushrooms such as lentinan (Shiitake) and D-fraction (Maitake) have been extensively studied for immune-modulating properties
• Act as prebiotics, supporting beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing microbial diversity
• Support gut barrier integrity and contribute to SCFA production through microbial fermentation
• Immune-modulating properties may help reduce inflammatory responses and support immune cell function
• Prebiotic fibres including beta-glucans support microbial diversity and gut-brain axis communication