Beta-Glucan (Yeast)
Also known as: Yeast beta-glucan, Baker's yeast beta-glucan, Saccharomyces cerevisiae beta-glucan, BYBG, Wellmune (brand)
Randomised trials and a meta-analysis of yeast beta-glucans report reduced incidence, number and duration of URTIs in healthy subjects and acute modulation of inflammatory cytokines and innate immune gene expression after exercise. A small pilot trial showed increased influenza antibody response in older adults after 4 weeks of supplementation, but larger confirmatory trials are needed.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Yeast-derived beta-glucans are fermentable polysaccharides used orally to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Human trials have tested doses commonly in the 250–500 mg/day range and report reduced incidence or duration of upper respiratory tract infections and modulation of exercise- or vaccine-related immune markers.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Yeast beta-glucans appear to interact with pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells (for example dectin-1, complement receptors) leading to altered cytokine production, changes in innate immune gene expression and enhanced antigen-specific antibody responses in some settings. The human data available show modulation of circulating cytokines after exercise, changes in innate immune mRNA expression, and improved vaccine antibody titres in a small pilot study.
Physiological Role
Modulation of innate immune activation and downstream adaptive responses; potential reduction of inflammatory cytokines after physiological stressors such as exercise or heat; may reduce susceptibility or severity of URTIs.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Evidence supports use for immune support around periods of increased physiological stress (for example prolonged exercise, heat, or seasonal viral exposure) rather than direct improvements in strength or aerobic performance. Trials report changes in immune markers and URTI outcomes, not gains in physical performance metrics.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 250 mg/day (observed in an RCT showing anti-inflammatory effects after exercise)
- Optimal Range
- 250–500 mg/day (doses evaluated in human trials)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Daily oral dosing; effects observed after 2 weeks to 6 weeks in different studies, and antibody change assessed at 4 weeks post-vaccination
- Best Format
- Oral capsule or tablet
- Bioavailability
- Beta-glucans act via immune recognition rather than systemic absorption in the classical nutrient sense; formulation differences may influence consistency but human trials used standard oral supplements.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Generally well tolerated in trials; no consistent adverse events reported in provided studies
Contraindications
- Known allergy to yeast products
Drug Interactions
- •No interactions reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •People with yeast allergy
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding women — insufficient evidence
Monitoring
None specified in the trials; monitor for allergic reactions. For use around vaccination or in older adults, clinical follow-up is reasonable since evidence is preliminary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Beta-Glucan (Yeast) typically used or indicated?
Beta-Glucan (Yeast) is most commonly used for: Support immune function, Reduce incidence or duration of upper respiratory tract infections, Modulate post-exercise inflammation and innate immune responses, Adjuvant to vaccination (experimental). Modulation of innate immune activation and downstream adaptive responses; potential reduction of inflammatory cytokines after physiological stressors such as exercise or heat; may reduce susceptibility or severity of URTIs.
How does Beta-Glucan (Yeast) work?
Yeast beta-glucans appear to interact with pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells (for example dectin-1, complement receptors) leading to altered cytokine production, changes in innate immune gene expression and enhanced antigen-specific antibody responses in some settings. The human data available show modulation of circulating cytokines after exercise, changes in innate immune mRNA expression, and improved vaccine antibody titres in a small pilot study.
What is the recommended dose of Beta-Glucan (Yeast)?
The optimal range is 250–500 mg/day (doses evaluated in human trials). with a minimum effective dose of 250 mg/day (observed in an RCT showing anti-inflammatory effects after exercise). Best taken: Daily oral dosing; effects observed after 2 weeks to 6 weeks in different studies, and antibody change assessed at 4 weeks post-vaccination. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Beta-Glucan (Yeast)?
Reported side effects include: Generally well tolerated in trials; no consistent adverse events reported in provided studies. Monitoring: None specified in the trials; monitor for allergic reactions. For use around vaccination or in older adults, clinical follow-up is reasonable since evidence is preliminary.
Does Beta-Glucan (Yeast) interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: No interactions reported in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Beta-Glucan (Yeast)?
Beta-Glucan (Yeast) is generally not recommended for: People with yeast allergy; Pregnant or breastfeeding women — insufficient evidence; and Known allergy to yeast products.
How strong is the evidence for Beta-Glucan (Yeast)?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 59/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation Downregulates Markers of Systemic Inflammation after Heated Treadmill Exercise.
Randomised, double-blind crossover trial in healthy active men and women given 250 mg/day yeast beta-glucan or placebo for 13 days before treadmill exercise in heat; inflammatory markers and muscle damage/function were assessed up to 72 h post-exercise.
Effects of yeast β-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis including 13 RCTs of yeast beta-glucans in healthy subjects assessing incidence, duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).
Novel nutraceutical supplements with yeast β-glucan, prebiotics, minerals, and Silybum marianum (silymarin) ameliorate obesity-related metabolic and clinical parameters: A double-blind randomized trial.
Double-blind randomised trial testing a multi-ingredient nutraceutical containing yeast beta-glucan among other components in sedentary adults with BMI ≤34.9, taken twice daily for up to 180 days, assessing anthropometric and metabolic endpoints.
Yeast Beta-Glucan Enhances Antibody Response Following Influenza Vaccination - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial in older adults (mean age ~71) assessing 500 mg/day yeast beta-glucan versus placebo given around seasonal influenza vaccination with antibody titres measured pre- and 4 weeks post-vaccination.
Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation was associated with an improved innate immune mRNA expression response after exercise.
Randomised trial of Baker's Yeast Beta-Glucan (Wellmune) versus placebo for 6 weeks prior to 90 min whole-body exercise; blood innate immune mRNA expression profiled at multiple post-exercise timepoints.
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Creatine Monohydrate
94/100A naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue via the phosphocreatine shuttle.
Maltodextrin
78/100Short-chain α-1,4 linked glucose polymer that is rapidly hydrolysed by brush-border maltase to glucose; near-equivalent glycaemic response to glucose but lower osmolality at concentration.
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)
72/100Produced via cyclic-glucanotransferase action on amylopectin, HBCD forms cluster-like macromolecules ~160 kDa that solubilise at low osmolality (≈4 mOsm/L) and clear the stomach faster than maltodextrin or glucose polymers.
Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/beta-glucan-yeast
SuppIndex. (2026). Beta-Glucan (Yeast): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/beta-glucan-yeast
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Frequently combined with other immune-supporting nutrients in nutraceutical formulations; effects in combination products cannot be attributed solely to beta-glucan unless specifically tested.