Overview
Beta-glucans are soluble fibers that come from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and some plants. They might lower the risk for heart disease.
Beta-glucans might prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol from food. They might also stimulate the immune system by increasing chemicals that prevent infections. The US FDA allows products containing at least 750 mg of beta-glucans to have a health claim stating that they might reduce heart disease risk.
Beta-glucans are most commonly used for heart disease and high cholesterol. They are also used for many other conditions, such as eczema and diabetes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Likely Effective for
- Heart disease. Eating at least 3.6 grams of beta-glucans or other soluble fibers daily as part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet might help prevent heart disease. Oat and barley products contain large amounts of beta-glucans.
- High cholesterol. Taking beta-glucans made from oats or barley by mouth for several weeks seems to reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
There is interest in using beta-glucans for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Beta-glucans are commonly consumed in foods. Taking larger amounts of beta-glucans as medicine is possibly safe for up to 8-12 weeks. There have been no reported side effects from taking beta-glucans by mouth.
When applied to the skin: Beta-glucans are possibly safe when used for a short time period. They can cause skin rash in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Beta-glucans are commonly consumed in foods. Taking larger amounts of beta-glucans as medicine is possibly safe for up to 8-12 weeks. There have been no reported side effects from taking beta-glucans by mouth.
When applied to the skin: Beta-glucans are possibly safe when used for a short time period. They can cause skin rash in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if beta-glucans are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions ?
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BETA-GLUCANS
Beta-glucans can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking beta-glucans along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BETA-GLUCANS
Beta-glucans might lower blood pressure. Taking beta-glucans along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
Beta-glucans that come from oats or barley have most often been used by adults in doses of 2-6 grams by mouth daily for 3-12 weeks. Beta-glucans that come from yeast have most often been used in doses of 250-500 mg by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Beta-glucans are also applied to the skin in creams or other solutions. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose or product might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
