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Dietary supplement

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart health, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 381 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder, Maitake Mushroom powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 2 active ingredients: Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder and Maitake Mushroom powder. Both are forms of polysaccharides (complex sugars) from natural sources that research has linked to heart and cholesterol support.

The capsule itself also contains inactive fillers: cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and immune cell interaction.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging, Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Cancer, Chemotherapy-induced anemia, Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Maitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced anemia, Laryngeal cancer, Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and more.

The beta-glucan in this product is likely effective for high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) and coronary heart disease — the research backing those claims is solid. For maitake mushroom, the evidence we have is less certain.

It's rated insufficient evidence for hay fever, chemotherapy side effects like anemia and diarrhea, fatigue, and other conditions that have been studied but lack clear proof.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Beta-glucans Maitake Mushroom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beta-glucans from food are generally well tolerated, but concentrated supplements haven't been studied enough, so caution is wise. Maitake mushroom is usually well tolerated as food, and adverse effects in research are rare — mostly mild stomach upset like diarrhea or nausea, and one allergic rash that cleared on its own.

One child in a high-dose trial developed temporary liver enzyme elevations, but this is not common. There isn't enough data on either ingredient during breastfeeding, so caution is advised.

Pregnancy data is lacking for maitake, so the safety facts advise against concentrated supplements during pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Beta-glucans Maitake Mushroom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Maitake Mushroom, Beta-glucans.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 381 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're on blood pressure medication, diabetes drugs, warfarin, or drugs that suppress your immune system. Beta-glucans may lower blood pressure and boost immunity; maitake may do the same plus thin the blood further.

These are Moderate-severity concerns, meaning they're real but manageable with professional guidance.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with cholesterol and heart health if the beta-glucan evidence applies to you, but the maitake mushroom's benefits are less clear. If you take blood pressure meds, diabetes drugs, warfarin, or immune-suppressing medications, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — these ingredients could affect how those drugs work.

A small number of people report mild stomach upset.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739030542
Net contents 90 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2017
DSLD ID 72482
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
733739030542
IngredientAmount% DV
Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder100 mg--
Maitake Mushroom powder160 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily.

Brand IP Statement(s)

NOW Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan (Beta-Glucan) is a bioactive carbohydrate derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as Bakers' yeast.*

General Statements

Scientific studies have shown that yeast-derived Beta-Glucan can interact with certain immune cells, including those present in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).* The GALT exists in the intestinal tract and is known to play a critical role in healthy immune system function.*

Capsule size

Immune support* ~ Supports normal immune cell activity*

General Health

Family owned since 1968.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Formula

NOW Beta-Glucan is blended with maitake mushrooms for complimentary support.*

~ Plus maitake mushrooms

Triangle K

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition (including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders).

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

General

CODE 3054B V4

Formulation

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K

GMP Quality Assured

Non-GMO

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder

Interacts with
293 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly low...

Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder monograph & interactions

Maitake Mushroom powder

Interacts with
260 drugs
160 mg per serving

Maitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and bl...

Maitake Mushroom powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
381Drugs
381 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan powder2 drug types · 293 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that taking beta-glucans may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some hypertensive individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Some clinical research shows that beta-glucans have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Maitake Mushroom powder3 drug types · 260 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharide (MMP) can lower blood glucose levels in patients with types 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg has a known interaction with 381 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my cholesterol or heart health?
Beta-glucans are likely effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease, so that ingredient has decent research behind it. Maitake mushroom's evidence is much weaker — we don't have enough solid research to rate it for most conditions it's been studied for.
Is this safe if I'm on blood pressure medication?
That's a real concern: both ingredients may lower blood pressure, so taking them with your medication could push your pressure too low. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start — they can help you figure out if it's okay for you and whether you need monitoring.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin?
Don't start this without checking with your doctor first. There's a case report of one patient whose blood-thinner level climbed dangerously after adding maitake mushroom. Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you if it's safe for you.
What side effects did people report in trials?
Beta-glucans were generally well tolerated in research. Maitake mushroom caused mostly mild stomach upset in a small number of people — diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain — and one patient developed a mild allergic rash that went away on its own.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough data to say either way for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Maitake specifically — the safety data advises against concentrated supplements during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your personal situation before taking this.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta - 1,3/1,6-D-Glucan 100 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 19 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Beta-glucans 11 references
  1. Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
  2. Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
  3. Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
  4. Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
  5. Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
  6. Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
  7. McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
  8. Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
  9. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
  10. Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
  11. Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-glucans monograph →

Maitake Mushroom 8 references
  1. Kabir Y, Kimura S. Dietary mushrooms reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1989;35:91-4. PubMed
  2. Kabir Y, Yamaguchi M, Kimura S. Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1987;33:341-6. PubMed
  3. Konno S, Tortorelis DG, Fullerton SA, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001;18:1010. PubMed
  4. Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, et al. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Compl
  5. Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:223-4. PubMed
  6. Talpur, N. A., Echard, B. W., Fan, A. Y., Jaffari, O., Bagchi, D., and Preuss, H. G. Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of whole Maitake mushroom powder and its fractions in two rat strains. Mol.Cell Biochem. 2002;237(1-2):129-136. PubMed
  7. Deng, G., Lin, H., Seidman, A., Fornier, M., D'Andrea, G., Wesa, K., Yeung, S., Cunningham-Rundles, S., Vickers, A. J., and Cassileth, B. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: i
  8. Wesa KM, Cunningham-Rundles S, Klimek VM, et al. Maitake mushroom extract in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015;64(2):237-47. PubMed

See these in context on the Maitake Mushroom monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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