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  1. Beta Glucan
  2. Cold and Flu

Cold and Flu

Beta-glucan sourced from yeast is an immune modulator shown to reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms, shorten symptomatic days, and support protective antibody responses—particularly when taken during and after influenza vaccination. The (1,3)-(1,6) branching structure of yeast-derived β-glucan is critical to its immunological activity.

    Written by:
    1. Beta Glucan PhD Team,

      Beta Glucan PhD Team

      Beta Glucan PhD Team

    We analyze peer-reviewed research on supplements.

    We rely on peer-reviewed scientific research to determine what’s truly effective. Our goal is to provide clear, unbiased information to help you make better health decisions.

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    Podcast

    Beta Glucans: Secret Weapon Against Colds

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    Clinical studies on cold and flu support have used varying doses of yeast-derived (1,3)-(1,6) β-glucan:

    • Children: 100 mg daily (Vetvicka pediatric studies) [15]
    • General Adult Use: 250–500 mg daily for ongoing immune support
    • High-Stress Periods / Athletes: 250 mg daily (marathon runner studies) [8]
    • Acute Symptom Support: Up to 900 mg daily during illness (Dharsono study showed significant symptom reduction at this dose) [4]
    • Vaccine Enhancement: Begin supplementation at least one week before vaccination and continue for 2–4 weeks after [5][7]

    Note: Take on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. β-glucan is recognized by immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (Peyer's patches) and transported to immune organs.

    For comprehensive dosing guidance, see: Delivery Methods & Dosage

    Oats, barley, and certain mushrooms contain β-glucans which are fibers and natural molecules that can lower “bad” cholesterol and may help the immune system, but results depend a lot on the product and dose.New

    Daily yeast β-glucan (500 mg) modestly boosted flu-shot antibody levels in older adults in one season of this pilot study.New

    Chewable mushroom β-glucan (with vitamin D and zinc) cut kids’ colds and other respiratory infections by about 15% over three months.New

    Daily yeast β-glucan didn’t reduce how often runners got colds, but it made symptoms milder and reduced missed workouts after a marathon. New

    A beta-glucan plus selenium and zinc supplement improved micronutrient status and showed non-significant immune-response trends after influenza or COVID-19 vaccination.New

    Yeast Beta Glucan (β-glucan) Optimizes the Immune Response to Prevent Lung Damage During Flu Infection in MiceNew

    A Yeast Beta Glucan (β-glucan) Capsule Supplement Reduces the Severity of Cold Symptoms in Immunocompromised AdultsNew

    A Daily Beta Glucan (β-glucan) Supplement May Boost Flu Shot Benefits in Older AdultsNew

    Beta Glucan (β-glucan) Enhances Antibody Response Following Flu Vaccination in Older AdultsNew

    A β-glucan Drink Supplement Reduces the Severity of Cold Symptoms in Marathon Runners New

    1. Eccles Common Cold 2023
    2. Malik Outlining recent updates on influenza therapeutics and vaccines: A comprehensive review 2024
    3. Paludan Early host defense against virus infections 2024
    4. Dharsono Effects of Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-Beta-Glucan on Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects 2019
    5. Moreno Yeast Beta-Glucan Enhances Antibody Response Following Influenza Vaccination - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. 2025
    6. Khan β-Glucan reprograms neutrophils to promote disease tolerance against influenza A virus 2025
    7. Laue Adjuvant Effect of Orally Applied Preparations Containing Non-Digestible Polysaccharides on Influenza Vaccination in Healthy Seniors: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Controlled Pilot Trial 2021
    8. Mah Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial 2020
    9. Barrett Validation of a short form Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) 2009
    10. Barrett The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey is responsive, reliable, and valid 2005
    11. Choi Dietary supplementation with rice bran fermented with Lentinus edodes increases interferon-γ activity without causing adverse effects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study 2014
    12. McFarlin Oral Supplementation with Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan Is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T Cells and Cytokines following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise 2017
    13. Leentjens The effects of orally administered Beta-glucan on innate immune responses in humans, a randomized open-label intervention pilot-study 2014
    14. Ju Defining the role of Parasutterella, a previously uncharacterized member of the core gut microbiota 2019
    15. Jesenak Novel Chewable Pleuran-Based Supplement Decreases Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial 2025
    16. Murphy β-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Application 2020
    17. Bhoite Clinical benefits of β‑glucan supplementation in children: a review 2022

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