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Dietary supplement

Beta 1,3 Glucan Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AFI America's Finest

Capsule Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Beta 1,3 Glucan is a dietary supplement by AFI America's Finest with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart health, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 293 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: beta-glucan powder (specifically beta 1,3/1,6 glucan), which comes from food and medicinal mushrooms and yeasts. The capsule itself contains no other listed inactive ingredients or fillers.

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 — see Beta-glucans's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • We looked for evidence on: Critical illness (trauma), Exercise-induced respiratory infections, Lower respiratory tract infections, Otitis media, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Wound healing — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Beta-glucans is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beta-glucans is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced respiratory infections, Lower respiratory tract infections, Otitis media, Wound healing, and more.

Beta-glucans are likely effective for two conditions. The evidence supports their use for managing cholesterol and fat levels in the blood (dyslipidemia) and for coronary heart disease.

If you're taking this for either of those reasons, the research backing is solid.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Beta-glucans

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beta-glucans from food sources are generally well tolerated. When concentrated as a supplement, though, the safety data isn't as complete, so caution is wise — especially at high doses.

Oral beta-glucans appear safe in most people, but a very small number have shown temporary increases in liver enzymes early on. Topically applied beta-glucans have caused skin reactions and contact dermatitis in some users, though these were mild.

During breastfeeding, there's very little research on supplement doses, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Beta-glucans

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Beta-glucans.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 293 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.

Double-check this product if you take blood pressure medications or any drug to suppress your immune system (such as those used after an organ transplant or for autoimmune conditions). Both carry Moderate-severity interactions with beta-glucans.

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.

If you have high cholesterol or coronary heart disease and don't take blood pressure medication or immune-suppressing drugs, this is worth discussing with your doctor. If you do take either of those drug types, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first — the interactions are real.

Start here to see your specific medications, then bring the details to your healthcare provider.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2016.

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 Glucan, straight from the product label.

Brand AFI America's Finest
Barcode (UPC) 767382033223
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2016
DSLD ID 67199
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Glucan by AFI America's Finest, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
767382033223
IngredientAmount% DV
Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan powder500 mg--

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 Use: Take one to three capsules as needed or as directed by a health care professional.

Precautions

Precautions/Warnings: Do not use if bottle seal is missing, torn or damaged.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Beta 1, 3 Glucan helps support and promote a healthy immune system.

See for yourself

Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan powder

Interacts with
293 drugs
500 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 Glucan powder monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beta 1,3 Glucan?

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
293Drugs
293 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Beta 1,3/1,6 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beta 1,3 Glucan, from the product label.

AFI America's Finest

See all AFI America's Finest products
Name
America's Finest, Inc. (AFI)
City
East Windsor
State
NJ
ZipCode
08520
Phone Number
800-350-3305
Web Address
www.afisupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest: Common Questions

Does Beta 1,3 Glucan by AFI America's Finest interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beta 1,3 Glucan has a known interaction with 293 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 Glucan contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 beta-glucans lower my blood pressure?
Clinical research shows that beta-glucans may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure. If you already take medication to lower your blood pressure, this could be a problem — the combination might lower it too much. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is it safe to take if I'm breastfeeding?
There's very little research on supplement doses of beta-glucans during breastfeeding, so we don't have enough data to know whether it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it while nursing — they can help you decide based on your own situation.
What does this supplement actually do?
The evidence is strongest for cholesterol and fat levels in your blood (dyslipidemia) and coronary heart disease — beta-glucans are likely effective for both. If you're taking this for one of those reasons, the research backing is solid.
I take a drug to suppress my immune system — can I take this?
Probably not without checking first. Beta-glucans appear to stimulate your immune system, which could work against what your medication is trying to do. This is a Moderate-severity interaction, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What are the side effects?
Oral beta-glucans are well tolerated by most people. Very rarely, someone may see a temporary rise in liver enzymes early on. If you apply beta-glucan cream to your skin, contact dermatitis and mild skin reactions have been reported in a small number of people.

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

Not sure if Beta 1,3 Glucan is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Glucan label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta 1,3 Glucan'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 11 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 →

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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