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Cold and Flu

β-glucan sourced from yeast, oats, and mushrooms is an immune modulator (molecule that changes the immune response) that has been shown to reduce the severity of cold symptoms, potentially by enhancing a protective antibody response, especially when taken during and after influenza vaccination.

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    1. Beta Glucan PhD Team, PhD

      Beta Glucan PhD Team PhD

      Beta Glucan PhD Team PhD

    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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    Beta Glucans: Secret Weapon Against Colds

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    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

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