Beta-Glucan for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Q: Does Beta-Glucan help with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Based on 13 studies with 2,000 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Beta-Glucan may support Upper Respiratory Tract Infections management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

Q: How much Beta-Glucan should I take for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 250-500 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Beta-Glucan?

Reported side effects may include Generally very well tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal effects (bloating), Allergic reactions in yeast-sensitive individuals. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Beta-Glucan and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 13 peer-reviewed studies with 2,000 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

A Strong Evidence Multiple large clinical trials consistently show significant benefits.

Meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials shows yeast beta-glucan may help reduce the incidence, number of episodes, and duration of upper respiratory tract infections compared to placebo. A 16-week RCT with 162 participants found 25% reduction in symptomatic cold infections.

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The Bottom Line

Key Study Findings

Randomized Controlled Trial

The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children.

Dose: 10 mg vs: Placebo Outcome: Body weight Effect: None None

Population: None

In Vitro

Dry blood spot samples to monitor immune-associated mRNA expression in intervention studies: Impact of Baker's …

Dose: 250 mg/d vs: None Outcome: oxidative stress markers Effect: None None

Population: None

Randomized Controlled Trial 12 weeks Double-blind

β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and …

Dose: None vs: Placebo Outcome: Protective Qi status improvement Effect: None None

Population: Adults with Protective Qi deficiency

Meta-Analysis

Effects of yeast β-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in …

Dose: 95% vs: placebo Outcome: None Effect: OR = 0.345 p < 0.001

Population: healthy subjects

Randomized Controlled Trial n=69

Soluble and Insoluble Yeast β-Glucan Differentially Affect Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Marathon Runners: A …

Dose: 250 mL/d vs: Placebo Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: URTI patients

Randomized Controlled Trial n=132 Double-blind

Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled …

Dose: 250 mL/d vs: Placebo Outcome: None Effect: None p < .05

Population: URTI patients

Key Statistics

Studies

2000

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children. Review

International journal for … 2024 5 citations

Dry blood spot samples to monitor immune-associated mRNA expression in intervention studies: Impact of Baker's yeast beta glucan. Other

Methods (San Diego, … 2023 6 citations

β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial. RCT

Chinese journal of … 2022 2 citations

Effects of yeast β-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review … Meta-Analysis

European journal of … 2021 21 citations

Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial. RCT

Journal of dietary … 2020 27 citations

Soluble and Insoluble Yeast β-Glucan Differentially Affect Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Marathon Runners: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. RCT

Journal of medicinal … 2020 24 citations

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. RCT

Journal of the … 2019 47 citations

Effect of a Euglena gracilis Fermentate on Immune Function in Healthy, Active Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. RCT

Nutrients 2019 34 citations

Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. RCT

Journal of dietary … 2013 99 citations

Benefits of oat beta-glucan and sucrose feedings on infection and macrophage antiviral resistance following exercise stress. Other

American journal of … 2009 34 citations

Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes. Other

Journal of sports … 2009

Beta-glucan, immune function, and upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. RCT

Medicine and science … 2008 71 citations

Benefits of oat beta-glucan on respiratory infection following exercise stress: role of lung macrophages. Other

American journal of … 2008 45 citations

Nutritional strategies to counter stress to the immune system in athletes, with special reference to football. Review

Journal of sports … 2006 94 citations

Effects of moderate exercise and oat beta-glucan on innate immune function and susceptibility to respiratory infection. Other

American journal of … 2004 107 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:: 250-500 mg/day
immunesupport:: 250-750 mg/day

Upper limit: No established UL

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
10 mg	--	Positive	--
250 mg/d	--	Positive	--
None	12 weeks	Positive	--
95%	--	Positive	--
250 mL/d	--	Mixed	69
250 mL/d	--	Neutral	132
900 mg	16.0 weeks	Positive	299
367 mg	12.9 weeks	Positive	34

Best taken: On empty stomach for optimal immune activation

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Generally very well tolerated
⚠ Mild gastrointestinal effects (bloating)
⚠ Allergic reactions in yeast-sensitive individuals

Known Interactions

● Immunosuppressant medications (may counteract immunosuppression)
● Generally few known drug interactions

Tolerable upper intake: No established UL

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Beta-Glucan help with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Based on 13 studies with 2,000 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Beta-Glucan may support Upper Respiratory Tract Infections management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Beta-Glucan should I take for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 250-500 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Beta-Glucan?

Reported side effects may include Generally very well tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal effects (bloating), Allergic reactions in yeast-sensitive individuals. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Beta-Glucan and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 13 peer-reviewed studies with 2,000 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Other ingredients for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Vitamin D A Zinc A Vitamin C B Echinacea B Andrographis B Garlic B

Quick Verdict

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (7)Meta (1)Other (5)

Compare Alternatives

See how other ingredients compare for this condition.

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References

[1] Katarzyna Wzorek-Łyczko et al.. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2024. The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000793 PubMed
[2] Brian K McFarlin et al.. Methods. 2023. Dry blood spot samples to monitor immune-associated mRNA expression in intervention studies: Impact of Baker's yeast beta glucan. doi:10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.09.006 PubMed
[3] Jun-Rong Wu et al.. Chin J Integr Med. 2022. β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial. doi:10.1007/s11655-021-3444-0 PubMed
[4] Kunxia Zhong et al.. Eur J Nutr. 2021. Effects of yeast β-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review … doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02566-4 PubMed
[5] Eunice Mah et al.. J Diet Suppl. 2020. Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast β-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1495676 PubMed
[6] Eunice Mah et al.. J Med Food. 2020. Soluble and Insoluble Yeast β-Glucan Differentially Affect Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Marathon Runners: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. doi:10.1089/jmf.2019.0076 PubMed
[7] Tanita Dharsono et al.. J Am Coll Nutr. 2019. 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. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1478339 PubMed
[8] Malkanthi Evans et al.. Nutrients. 2019. Effect of a Euglena gracilis Fermentate on Immune Function in Healthy, Active Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. doi:10.3390/nu11122926 PubMed
[9] Brian K McFarlin et al.. J Diet Suppl. 2013. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. doi:10.3109/19390211.2013.820248 PubMed
[10] E Angela Murphy et al.. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009. Benefits of oat beta-glucan and sucrose feedings on infection and macrophage antiviral resistance following exercise stress. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00396.2009 PubMed
[11] Shawn Talbott et al.. J Sports Sci Med. 2009. Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes. PubMed
[12] David C Nieman et al.. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008. Beta-glucan, immune function, and upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817057c2 PubMed
[13] E A Murphy et al.. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2008. Benefits of oat beta-glucan on respiratory infection following exercise stress: role of lung macrophages. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00562.2007 PubMed
[14] David C Nieman et al.. J Sports Sci. 2006. Nutritional strategies to counter stress to the immune system in athletes, with special reference to football. doi:10.1080/02640410500482982 PubMed
[15] J M Davis et al.. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2004. Effects of moderate exercise and oat beta-glucan on innate immune function and susceptibility to respiratory infection. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00304.2003 PubMed

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.