Is yeast superior to other beta glucan sources?
Not all beta glucans are equal. Substantial research demonstrates that yeast beta glucan has far superior immune-enhancing benefits when compared with oat and barley beta glucans. The disparity is attributed to differences in the glucans’ molecular structure and forms that result in lower concentrations of beta 1,3 glucan, the bioactive component, in cereal products. Mushroom-based products have demonstrated immune-enhancing benefits similar to yeast beta glucan, however, they are more difficult to process and purify.
