NOW Foods BETA-1,3/1,6-GLUCAN 100mg with Maitake Mushrooms (90 Veg Capsules)
NOW BETA-1,3/1,6-GLUCAN 100mg delivers purified, bioactive polysaccharides extracted from the cell walls of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), paired with 160 mg of whole Maitake mushroom powder (Grifola frondosa). Rather than over-stimulating your system, this specialized formula works by "priming" frontline immune cells—preparing your body to recognize and react to everyday health challenges without pushing your immune defenses into overdrive.
Quick Product Overview (Item #N3054):
Active Dose: 100 mg Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Powder + 160 mg Maitake Mushroom Powder per single vegetarian capsule.
Quality & Purity: Tested in ISO/IEC 17025 accredited analytical laboratories for identity, potency, and heavy metal limits.
Dietary Suitability: Non-GMO, Vegan/Vegetarian, Kosher-certified, free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and nuts.
How Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Works: The Science in Everyday Terms
Not all dietary beta-glucans perform the same role. The soluble beta-glucans found in oats and barley (linked by 1,3 and 1,4 molecular bonds) are primarily utilized for cardiovascular health and cholesterol management. In contrast, yeast-derived beta-glucan features complex beta-1,3/1,6 branched linkages. This specific molecular shape fits directly into receptor sites on human immune cells, functioning like an authentic biological training key.
The Cellular Journey from Gut to Immune Defense
Intestinal Absorption via Peyer’s Patches: When you swallow a capsule, the insoluble beta-glucan particles travel through the stomach into the small intestine. Specialized tissue folds known as Peyer's patches take up these particles via microfold (M) cells without degrading their structure.
Macrophage Interaction: Resident scavenger cells called macrophages engulf the beta-glucan particles and break them down into smaller active fragments within lymphoid tissues.
Receptor Binding (Dectin-1 & CR3): These active fragments bind to Dectin-1 and Complement Receptor 3 (CR3) on white blood cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Cellular Priming (Trained Immunity): Once docked, the receptor signals the white blood cell to remain in an alert, vigilant state. The cells do not attack healthy tissue; instead, they move faster and respond more effectively whenever an actual foreign pathogen is detected.
Scientific Reference: Brown & Gordon (2001), Nature, identified Dectin-1 as the primary leukocyte receptor responsible for beta-glucan-mediated immune activation.
The Synergistic Pair: Why NOW Combines Yeast Beta-Glucan with Maitake
Many standard supplements offer isolated yeast beta-glucan alone. NOW Foods incorporates 160 mg of whole Maitake mushroom powder (Grifola frondosa) into every capsule to deliver dual-pathway immune support.
Ingredient Component
Primary Biological Action
Why the Combination Works Better
Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan (100 mg)
Targets Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages and neutrophils for immediate innate defense.
Yeast glucans trigger localized mucosal macrophage alerts, while fungal proteoglucans support broader cellular vitality and balanced cytokine communication, preventing fatigue and immune imbalance.
Maitake Mushroom Powder (160 mg)
Supplies fungal beta-glucan complexes (including D-fraction proteoglucans) that support helper T-cells and Natural Killer (NK) cell balance.
Maitake has been prized in traditional Japanese herbal practices for centuries as "the dancing mushroom." Modern research confirms its proteoglucan matrix assists cellular resilience under biological and environmental stress (Mayell, 2001).
Because fungal and yeast products absorb trace elements directly from growth mediums, analytical testing is vital for consumer safety. NOW Foods operates one of the most advanced private analytical testing facilities in the nutritional industry, conducting over 19,000 tests each month across raw ingredients and finished goods.
✓ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Testing
NOW’s internal microbiology and analytical chemistry laboratories hold third-party ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), confirming precise calibration and validated analytical methodology.
✓ Heavy Metal Screening (ICP-MS)
Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), raw materials are screened down to parts-per-billion (ppb) detection limits for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, ensuring compliance with strict California Proposition 65 and USP <2232> elemental safety thresholds.
✓ Identity & Potency Verification
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) verify that the active polysaccharide content matches the exact 100 mg label claim and eliminates counterfeit or adulterated yeast isolates.
✓ Pathogen & Mycotoxin Controls
Finished batches are cultured and screened to confirm the total absence of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, alongside screening for agricultural pesticides and fungal aflatoxins.
Manufactured in a certified Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility audited and registered by NSF International under FDA 21 CFR Part 111 standards.
Complete Ingredient Listing & Supplement Facts
Every ingredient in NOW BETA-1,3/1,6-GLUCAN 100mg is clearly declared on the label with no hidden proprietary blends:
Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Cellulose Powder, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), and Silica.
Allergen Specifications: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Capsule Type: Vegetarian / Vegan. Free of animal gelatin, artificial dyes, and chemical binders.
How to Take NOW Beta-Glucan: Timing and Dosage Strategy
Achieving optimal results with beta-1,3/1,6-glucan depends on how and when the capsule enters the digestive tract:
Recommended Daily Intake: Take 1 vegetable capsule 1 to 2 times daily. For general baseline immune resilience, 1 capsule daily (100 mg beta-glucan / 160 mg Maitake) provides steady physiological priming.
Optimal Timing (Empty Stomach Advantage): For best uptake, take your capsule roughly 30 minutes before breakfast or at least 2 hours after a meal with an 8-ounce glass of pure water. When taken without heavy food, the beta-glucan particles reach the intestinal Peyer's patches with minimal competition from dietary fats and proteins.
Seasonal Scaling: During seasonal weather shifts or periods of high stress, taking 1 capsule twice daily (morning and evening) supports elevated cellular readiness.
Safety Warnings, Medical Contraindications & Real Constraints
Because beta-1,3/1,6-glucan exerts demonstrable biological activity on white blood cells, it is not suitable for every individual. As part of our clinical health responsibility, please review these essential precautions before use:
Autoimmune Conditions: If you have an active autoimmune or inflammatory disorder (such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), activating immune cells may theoretically aggravate symptoms. Consult your rheumatologist or specialist before taking this supplement.
Immunosuppressive Medications: Individuals taking prescription immunosuppressants (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or prednisone) following an organ transplant or for severe autoimmune disease should avoid beta-glucan, as it may directly counteract drug efficacy.
Crohn’s Disease & IBD: Many individuals with Crohn's disease produce Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae Antibodies (ASCA). Because this beta-glucan is yeast-derived, it may cause digestive irritation or flare-ups in ASCA-positive patients.
Yeast Sensitivities: Although purified beta-glucan contains minimal yeast protein residues, individuals with severe, documented allergies to baker’s or brewer’s yeast should proceed only under direct medical supervision.
Pregnancy & Nursing: For adult use only. If pregnant, nursing, or planning surgery within two weeks, discontinue use and speak with your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Scientific Evidence & Research References
This content is substantiated by peer-reviewed clinical literature and recognized regulatory pharmacopeias:
Brown, G. D., & Gordon, S. (2001). Immune recognition: A new receptor for beta-glucans. Nature, 413(6851), 36–37. (Characterization of Dectin-1 receptor binding in human macrophages).
Stier, H., Ebbeskotte, V., & Gruenwald, J. (2014). Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan. Nutrition Journal, 13(1), 38. (Demonstrating reduced incidence and severity of seasonal upper respiratory episodes in randomized clinical trials).
Talbott, S. M., & Talbott, J. A. (2012). Baker's yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 31(4), 295–300.
Vetvicka, V., & Vetvickova, J. (2014). Natural immunomodulators: comparison of selected beta-glucans. Biomedical Papers, 158(4), 510–516. (Documenting superior phagocytic stimulation of branched 1,3/1,6 yeast glucan over linear 1,3/1,4 cereal grains).
Mayell, M. (2001). Maitake extracts and their therapeutic potential. Alternative Medicine Review, 6(1), 48–60. (Bioactive D-fraction proteoglucans and complementary cell-mediated immune responses).
United States Pharmacopeia (USP). General Chapter <2232>: Elemental Contaminants in Dietary Supplements. USP-NF, Rockville, MD.
Why Order NOW Beta-Glucan from VitaNet, LLC?
When investing in your health, where your supplements are stored and shipped matters just as much as what is in the bottle. VitaNet, LLC is an independent, family-owned natural health retailer serving customers online since 1995 from our brick-and-mortar storefront and distribution center at 887 Edison Street Northwest, Hartville, Ohio 44632[cite: 1].
31+ Years of Integrity[cite: 1]
Founded in 1995, our staff brings over three decades of biochemical insight and personal customer care to every inquiry[cite: 1].
BBB A+ Accredited[cite: 1]
Recognized for exceptional marketplace ethics, transparent communication, and genuine American small business ownership[cite: 1].
100% Money-Back Guarantee[cite: 1]
If you are not completely satisfied, we provide a full refund and even cover return shipping—even on opened bottles[cite: 1].
Direct Manufacturer Inventory
Fresh stock shipped directly from climate-regulated storage. Zero third-party marketplace brokers or expiring inventory.
Questions about your order? Call our Hartville, Ohio customer team directly at (330) 877-8786[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between oat beta-glucan and beta-1,3/1,6-glucan?
Oat beta-glucans are soluble fibers linked by 1,3 and 1,4 molecular bonds that primarily trap bile acids in the gut to support healthy cholesterol levels. In contrast, baker's yeast-derived beta-glucans have specific 1,3/1,6 molecular branches that fit into immune receptors (Dectin-1 and CR3) on white blood cells, directly supporting cellular immune defenses.
2. Does this beta-glucan formula cause immune system overstimulation?
No. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan functions through a biological process known as "trained immunity" or immune priming. It enhances the alertness and mobility of neutrophils and macrophages without triggering a systemic inflammatory cascade or cytokine storm in healthy individuals.
3. Should I take NOW Beta-Glucan with meals or on an empty stomach?
For optimal absorption, take your capsule on an empty stomach—either 30 minutes before breakfast or at least 2 hours after a meal—with a full glass of water. This allows the glucan particles to pass cleanly into the small intestine and make direct contact with Peyer's patches.
4. Why did NOW Foods add Maitake mushrooms to this formula?
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) naturally contain potent proteoglucan fractions that support cell-mediated immunity and helper T-cell balance. Combining 100 mg of yeast beta-glucan with 160 mg of whole Maitake powder delivers complementary, multi-layered immune support.
5. How does NOW Foods verify heavy metal safety in this product?
NOW Foods tests raw ingredients and finished goods in its ISO/IEC 17025 accredited in-house laboratories using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This instrument screens down to parts-per-billion (ppb) limits for lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, ensuring strict compliance with USP <2232> and California Proposition 65 limits.
6. Can I take this product if I have an autoimmune disorder or Crohn's disease?
Consult your physician first. Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressive drugs should exercise caution, as immune-priming compounds may interact with medical treatments. Furthermore, individuals with Crohn's disease who have anti-yeast antibodies (ASCA) should consult their gastroenterologist before using yeast-derived supplements.
