Beta-glucans: Discover the Differences Between Those from Mushrooms and Yeasts

Beta-glucans: Discover the Differences Between Those from Mushrooms and Yeasts

Different Sources for Obtaining Beta-glucan

Beta-glucans have different structures depending on their source, which affects their interaction with the human body. Not all have the same effects. Various sources of beta-glucans may have different health benefits depending on their function, structure, size, and solubility. There are many foods rich in beta-glucan, including fiber from barley, oats, whole grain products, reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms, seaweeds, and algae.

  • Cereal beta-glucans (oats, barley) are viscous polysaccharides composed of D-glucose monosaccharide units. Oat beta-glucan consists of mixed linkage polysaccharides. The bonds between D-glucose units are either beta 1,3 or beta 1,4. Oats and barley contain beta-glucan predominantly with 1,4 linkage, but also include 1,3 linkages, which are associated with cardiovascular health benefits.

  • The gel-forming properties of cereal beta-glucans act as modulators of bile acids and cholesterol. Unlike beta-glucans from other sources, oat beta-glucans have not been shown to significantly improve immune protection. Studies have confirmed that oat beta-glucans can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular system health.

  • Beta-glucans from yeasts and mushrooms are composed of branched linkages. Yeast beta-glucans are easily extractable, have a complex structure, but are less effective and cheaper than those from mushrooms. Baker’s yeast beta-glucans are the best documented type. Beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms are broad-spectrum with better effects on overall organism wellbeing.

  • Beta-glucans from bacteria and algae have a linear 1,3-glucan structure. They primarily support gut health and immune status.

Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Richness in Beta-glucans

Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, maitake, chaga, and lion’s mane contain abundant beta-glucans with naturopathic properties. They are known for positive effects on immunity, cancer treatment, prevention of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and blood sugar regulation.

The benefits of medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake and maitake are explained by the synergy of various active substances contained within them, especially beta-glucans, which act as activators of enzymatic reactions in the human body.

Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Fungal cell walls are very rich in β-glucans; their properties are clarified by modern biotechnology which maps polysaccharide chain length, number, and location of molecular bonds.

  • Beta-glucans from mushrooms are more effective than those from cereals due to different molecular structure.
  • Mushroom beta-glucans have a 1,3/1,6 structure, where the numbers indicate bond and branch locations.
  • Cereal beta-glucans lack branched structure, which affects their interaction with the body.
  • Mushroom beta-glucans bind to receptors of innate immune cells and train them to recognize pathogens, making them better immune modulators than cereal beta-glucans.
  • Some manufacturers combine beta-glucans from various sources; therefore, origin must be verified.

How Do Beta-glucans Work in the Body?

Beta-glucans from yeasts or mushrooms activate white blood cells to fight pathogens. They act by supporting increased levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which protects the body's mucous membranes. Low IgA levels are associated with a higher susceptibility to infections.

  • Beta-glucans activate macrophages, which function as waste collectors and analyze threats to the immune system. They help trigger immune responses and support other white blood cells such as monocytes and neutrophils.
  • Neutrophils are important for preventing bacterial infections.

When to Take Beta-glucans and Who Are They Suitable For?

There are no confirmed contraindications for taking beta-glucans. The recommended daily dose is 500 mg divided into two doses. They are suitable for children from three years old, convalescents, athletes, and for immune support. Beta-glucans from yeast should occasionally be replaced with stronger ones from medicinal mushrooms.

First Clinical Studies with Mushroom Beta-glucans

Research on beta-glucans from mushrooms was started by Dr Hiroaki Nanba in Japan. He demonstrated that beta-glucans from the maitake mushroom have more pronounced effects than other medicinal mushrooms, due to a larger number of branching chains which contribute to better activation of immune cells.

Beta-glucans as Part of Cosmetics

Beta-glucans are used in cosmetics to soothe skin after sun exposure, for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin problems. They have antioxidant effects, protect cells against oxidative stress, and support wound healing. They help maintain balanced skin hydration and have anti-wrinkle effects.

Sources:

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/9/2124

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144861724011214

https://www.algatech.com/microalgae-beta-glucans-immune-support/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3889722/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34740960/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/beta-glucan