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Dietary supplement

Beta Glucan 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Jarrow Formulas

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Beta Glucan 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Jarrow Formulas with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for source of b vitamins, diarrhea (certain types), cold and flu support.Based on those ingredients, 428 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas

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.
  • “Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (250 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product has one active ingredient: beta-glucans derived from yeast (Beta-1,3-1,6-Glucan). It also contains Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract, though the facts note that ingredient as a blend whose individual components are listed elsewhere.

The capsule itself is made from bovine gelatin, and it includes microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide as inactive fillers and binders.

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 immune system.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Clostridioides difficile infection, Exercise-induced respiratory infections, Influenza, Lower respiratory tract infections — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Beta-glucans is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beta-glucans is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Lower respiratory tract infections, Exercise-induced respiratory infections, Otitis media, and more.

Beta-glucans are rated Likely Effective for two cardiovascular conditions: dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fat levels) and coronary heart disease. The research behind these ratings suggests real benefit for people managing cholesterol and heart health.

We don't have effectiveness data on file for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract component.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Brewer's Yeast 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 are generally well tolerated by most people. That said, concentrated supplement doses lack the safety research that food sources have, so caution is warranted.

In rare cases — one person in a clinical trial of 44 — oral beta-glucans caused temporary liver enzyme elevations. Topically (in creams), beta-glucans have caused mild skin reactions and contact dermatitis in some trial participants, though these were self-limiting.

There's little research on supplement doses during breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Brewer's Yeast 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.

Before taking this product, double-check your blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) and any drugs that suppress your immune system (immunosuppressants). Both have Moderate severity interactions with beta-glucans in this supplement.

Use the medication checker on this page with your exact drug names.

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're managing cholesterol or heart disease and not on blood pressure meds or immunosuppressants, this supplement has solid evidence behind it. If you take either of those drug types, check with your pharmacist first — the interactions are real enough to watch.

Anyone breastfeeding should discuss dosing with their healthcare provider before starting.

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 Jan 24, 2024.

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 Glucan 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Jarrow Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 790011030232
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 307558
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, 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 Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
790011030232
IngredientAmount% DV
Beta-1,3-1,6-Glucan188 mg--
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Bovine Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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: Adults take 1 capsule once a day on an empty stomach with a full glass of water or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional.

Formula

Beta-Glucans are natural bioactive carbohydrates, with those derived from certain yeasts and fungi being known for their ability to support the immune system. Jarrow Formulas Beta Glucan is a high purity extract from the cell walls of a proprietary Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) strain with a unique molecular structure comprised primarily of (1,3)-Beta-linked glucose chains (>75%) and a relatively small number of (1,6)-Beta-linked side chains.

Yeast extract

Precautions

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, are taking medication or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use.

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, are taking medication or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry 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.

Formulation

Supports immune system Immune support

Non-GMO Gluten free

No wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts or sesame.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2022 Jarrow Formulas

See for yourself

Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract

Interacts with
136 drugs
250 mg per serving

Brewer's yeast is a nutrient-rich fungus that provides B vitamins, protein, and minerals, and a related yeast product (S. boulardii) is used for some...

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Bovine Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beta Glucan 250 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
428Drugs
9 Major 379 Moderate 40 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Beta Glucan 250 mg 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.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract4 drug types · 136 drugs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Brewer's yeast contains tyramine. Taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk for hypertensive crisis.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking chromium-containing brewer's yeast can decrease levels of blood glucose in diabetic patients being treated with antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with lithium might cause additive effects and side effects.
Some brewer's yeast products contains lithium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antifungals

Theoretically, taking antifungals with some brewer's yeast products might decrease the effectiveness of brewer's yeast.
Some brewer's yeast products contain live yeast. Therefore, simultaneously taking antifungals might kill a significant number of the organisms.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beta Glucan 250 mg, from the product label.

Jarrow Formulas

See all Jarrow Formulas products
Name
Jarrow Formulas, Inc.
City
Sherman Oaks
State
CA
ZipCode
91403
Phone Number
1-866-459-4154
Web Address
www.Jarrow.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas: Common Questions

Does Beta Glucan 250 mg by Jarrow Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beta Glucan 250 mg has a known interaction with 428 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beta Glucan 250 mg 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.
Does this actually work for cholesterol and heart health?
Yes — beta-glucans are rated Likely Effective for both dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fats) and coronary heart disease. The research supports real benefit for cardiovascular health.
What are the side effects?
Taken by mouth, beta-glucans are well tolerated overall. One person in a clinical trial developed temporary liver enzyme elevations, but that's rare. Most people don't report problems.
Is it safe if I'm breastfeeding?
There isn't enough research on supplement doses during breastfeeding to say either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice — they can help you weigh the benefits and unknowns.
What is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract?
It's a yeast extract included in the product. We don't hold interaction data for it, so we couldn't check whether it interacts with medications.
Are there any fillers in this capsule?
Yes — besides the active ingredient, the capsule contains microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, bovine gelatin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide as binders and fillers.

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

Not sure if Beta Glucan 250 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 Glucan 250 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta Glucan 250 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 17 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 →

Brewer's Yeast 6 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Lewis SJ, Freedman AR. Review article: the use of biotherapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998;12:807-22. PubMed
  3. Bahijiri, S. M., Mira, S. A., Mufti, A. M., and Ajabnoor, M. A. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Saudi.Med.J. 2000;21(9):831-837. DOI
  4. Schrauzer, G. N. and de, Vroey E. Effects of nutritional lithium supplementation on mood. A placebo-controlled study with former drug users. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;40(1):89-101. PubMed
  5. Gayathri R, Aruna T, Malar S, Shilpa B, Dhanasekar KR. Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as an add-on therapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020;35(1):139-145. PubMed
  6. Mourey F, Decherf A, Jeanne JF, et al. Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-3856 in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation. World J Gastroenterol 2022;28(22):2509-2522.

See these in context on the Brewer's Yeast 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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