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Beta Glucan Facts

Beta glucans are carbohydrates or complex sugars found in structures within some types of plants. As a dietary supplement, beta glucans are used to treat a number of conditions in herbal medicine.

  1. Other Names

    • Other names for beta glucans include beta glycans, grifolan, lentinan, PGG glucan, SSG, schizophyllan and beta-1.

    Sources

    • Mushrooms, oats, barley and yeast are excellent dietary sources of beta glucans. As supplements, beta glucans are available in oral and injectable forms.

    Uses

    • Uses of beta glucans include lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system in AIDS patients, preventing infection after surgery and treating cancer, diabetes, colds, flu, allergies, Lyme disease, liver problems, Crohn's disease, ear infections, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

    Risks

    • Possible side effects of beta glucans include chills, fever, pain at the injection site, headaches, back and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in blood pressure, flushing, rashes and increased urination.

    Considerations

    • Oral beta glucan supplements should be limited to 15 g per day and not taken for more than eight weeks, cautions RxList.com. If you are pregnant or nursing or have a history of depression or ulcers, it may not be safe for you to take beta glucans, warns Physicians Desktop Reference.

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