What is it used for?
Oat and/or Barley beta-glucan
Helps reduce/lower LDL cholesterol (which is one risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease) (Charlton et al. 2012; EFSA 2011a,b, 2010; AbuMweiss et al. 2010; HC 2010; Wolever et al. 2010; Delahoy et al. 2009; Queenan et al. 2007; Wood 2007; Biorklund et al. 2005; NECP 2002; Brown et al. 1999; Ripsin et al. 1992).
Helps reduce/lower bad cholesterol (which is one risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease) (Charlton et al. 2012; EFSA 2011a,b, 2010; AbuMweiss et al. 2010; HC 2010; Wolever et al. 2010; Delahoy et al. 2009; Queenan et al. 2007; Wood 2007; Biorklund et al. 2005; NECP 2002; Brown et al. 1999; Ripsin et al. 1992).
Provides support for healthy (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal) (EFSA 2011a,b; Ulmius et al. 2011; Granfeldt et al. 2008; Panahi et al. 2007; Biorklund et al. 2005; Kabir et al. 2002).
Helps improve (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal) (EFSA 2011a,b; Ulmius et al 2011; Granfeldt et al. 2008; Panahi et al. 2007; Biorklund et al. 2005; Kabir et al. 2002).
Source of fiber for the maintenance of good health [Source note 2].
Helps support and maintain a healthy digestive system [Source note 3].
Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., Helps reduce/lower bad cholesterol and improve glucose metabolism).
Yeast beta-glucan
Source of yeast beta-glucans with immunomodulating properties [Source note 4].
Helps reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold (e.g., sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, cough, runny nose) in adults prone to recurrent colds when taken as a preventative measure during winter months [Source note 5].
Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label if the recommended dose for the common cold claim is met (e.g., Source of yeast beta-glucans with immunomodulating properties to help reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold in adults prone to recurrent colds when taken as a preventative measure during winter months).
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Oat and/or Barley beta-glucan
2 - 10 grams of beta-Glucan, per day (Charlton et al. 2011; EFSA 2011a,b, 2010; AbuMweiss et al. 2010; Queenan et al. 2007; IOM 2005; Johnston et al. 1998; Braaten et al. 1994; Torronen et al. 1992; Uusitupa et al. 1992).
Yeast beta-glucan
Immunomodulating properties
Up to 900 milligrams of yeast beta-glucan, per day [Source note 6].
Reduction of the severity of symptoms of the common cold
450 milligrams of yeast beta-glucan, 2 times per day [Source note 7].
How is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
Reduction of the severity of symptoms of the common cold
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
When should it be avoided?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| beta-Glucan |
|
| Seed bran |
| beta-Glucan | Oat beta-Glucan | Avena sativa | Seed bran |
| beta-Glucan | Barley beta-glucan | Hordeum vulgare | Seed bran |
| beta-Glucan |
| Saccharomyces cerevisiae¹ | Yeast cell wall |
References: Proper name: USP-NF 2024; Charlton et al. 2012; EFSA 2011a,b, 2010; Queenan et al. 2007; Braaten et al. 1994; Uusitupa et al. 1992; Common names: USP-NF 2024; Charlton et al. 2012; EFSA 2011a,b, 2010; Queenan et al. 2007; Braaten et al. 1994; Uusitupa et al. 1992; Source information: USDA 2025; USP-NF 2024; Charlton et al. 2012; Queenan et al. 2007.
¹Not less than 80% beta-1,3/1,6-glucan. The percentage of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan may be listed on the product label, if desired.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- July 31, 2026
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
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