Fibre

Beta-glucan

Also called: oat beta-glucan, yeast beta-glucan

A fibre from oats, barley or yeast.

Why people take it
Cholesterol (oats), immunity (yeast).
What the evidence says
Oat beta-glucan lowers LDL cholesterol (good evidence).
How it is usually taken
Usually 3 g a day of oat beta-glucan (about 1.5 cups of oats) for cholesterol.
Be careful
Gas and bloating.
Medicines it can interact with
May lower sugar with diabetes medicines.

Other fibre

PsylliumInulinGlucomannanMethylcelluloseWheat dextrinPartially hydrolysed guar gumApple cider vinegar

Common questions

What is Beta-glucan?

A fibre from oats, barley or yeast.

Why do people take Beta-glucan?

Cholesterol (oats), immunity (yeast).

Does Beta-glucan work?

Oat beta-glucan lowers LDL cholesterol (good evidence).

How much Beta-glucan do people take?

Usually 3 g a day of oat beta-glucan (about 1.5 cups of oats) for cholesterol.

Is Beta-glucan safe?

Gas and bloating.

Does Beta-glucan interact with medicines?

May lower sugar with diabetes medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.