Beta-glucans (yeast / mushroom)
Immune · Polysaccharide PAMP mimetic
Tier B-
What this is
Trained immunity concept (Netea) provides better mechanism framing than older 'immune booster' claims. Auinger 2013 trials with Wellmune (yeast β-glucan 1,3/1,6) showed URI reduction. Source, purity, and molecular weight matter — mushroom products highly variable.
Mechanism
(1,3)/(1,6)-β-glucans from baker's yeast or medicinal mushrooms (maitake D-fraction, shiitake lentinan, reishi); bind Dectin-1 and CR3 on innate immune cells; trained immunity induction
Dose & route
250-500 mg/day standardized yeast β-glucan; mushroom products vary
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23360765/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359034/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5981249/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.