Beta Glucan: A Comprehensive Guide for Food and Supplement Producers 

How much more could you sell if your product labels boasted benefits like:

• Lowering cholesterol
• Reducing the risk of certain diseases
• Boosting immunity
• Promoting heart health
• Regulating blood sugar

These are compelling reasons for consumers to choose your products. Beta glucan might be the ingredient to help you deliver on these promises.

But what exactly is beta glucan, and how can food and supplement producers leverage its potential? Let's dive in.

What is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucans are a group of polysaccharides (complex sugars) naturally found in the cell walls of:

• Oats
• Barley
• Yeast
• Mushrooms
• Algae

They are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and as an ingredient in food products.

How Does it Work?

As a soluble fiber, beta glucan isn't digested by the human body. This seemingly simple trait is the key to its potential health benefits. By slowing down the movement of food through the intestines, beta glucan:

• Regulates Blood Sugar: Slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
• Lowers Cholesterol: Binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing its absorption and promoting its excretion.

Potential Health Benefits of Beta Glucan: What the Science Says 

While research is ongoing, studies suggest several potential benefits:

• Immune System Support: Beta glucans interact with immune cells, potentially enhancing their activity and helping the body defend against infections. A 2021 study published in Nutrients showed that beta-glucan supplementation could enhance immune response to influenza vaccination.
• Cholesterol Reduction and Heart Health: Beta glucans, particularly those from oats and yeast, have been shown to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels without negatively impacting HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglycerides. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved health claims for oat beta-glucans and cholesterol reduction.
• Weight Management: By promoting a feeling of fullness, beta glucan may help suppress appetite and reduce overall calorie intake, potentially aiding in weight loss.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies indicate that beta glucan can improve blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes, especially when combined with other treatments and dietary modifications. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2022 confirmed the positive effects of beta-glucan on glycemic control.
• Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Some research suggests that beta glucans may have anti-cancer properties, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments and improving survival rates. A 2019 study in OncoTargets and Therapy highlighted the potential of beta-glucans as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.

Dosage and Safety Considerations

Currently, there isn't a universally agreed-upon standard dosage for beta glucan. Recommendations vary depending on the source and brand.

• Oat-derived beta glucan: Studies often use dosages of 3 grams daily for cholesterol reduction.
• Yeast-derived beta glucan: Dosages range from 250 to 500 mg daily in some studies.

Safety: Beta glucan is generally considered safe for most people. However, excessive intake may cause:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Gas

Important Note: Individuals taking immunosuppressant drugs or blood pressure medications should consult with a healthcare professional before taking beta glucan supplements.

Risks for Food and Supplement Producers

Adding beta glucan to your products comes with certain risks that you need to be aware of:

Inaccurate Labeling: Accurate reporting of beta glucan content on product labels is essential. Third-party testing can help ensure accuracy and build consumer trust.

• Potential Interactions with Health Conditions: While generally safe, beta glucan may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain health conditions or taking specific medications should consult their doctor before use.
• Side Effects from Excessive Intake: Overconsumption of beta glucan can lead to digestive discomfort. Clear and accurate serving size information on product labels is crucial.
• Misleading Claims: Exercise caution when making health claims about beta glucan. Ensure claims are supported by scientific evidence and comply with regulations.
• Inaccurate Labeling: Accurate reporting of beta glucan content on product labels is essential. Third-party testing can help ensure accuracy and build consumer trust.

Ensuring Quality and Accuracy with Third-Party Testing

To mitigate the risks associated with beta glucan, third-party testing is highly recommended. Testing helps you:

• Verify the beta glucan content in your products.
• Ensure the purity and safety of your ingredients.
• Build trust with consumers by demonstrating your commitment to quality.

Quick, accurate, affordable testing for foods & supplements containing beta glucan

When it comes to finding out exactly how much beta glucan a food product or supplement contains, Medallion Labs offers a solution.

Testing options through Medallion Labs help food and supplement producers maximize testing budgets and receive results quickly.

While researchers still have more to learn about beta glucan, food and supplement producers know for a fact that customers want products containing this amazing compound. Medallion Labs can help supplement and food producers capitalize on this opportunity.

To discover how we can help you test for beta glucan and get your products safely on the shelves and into the carts of willing customers, contact us online or call us at 1-800-245-5615.