Yeast beta-glucan has been found to offer specific health benefits beyond what is typically associated with other types of soluble fiber.
| Characteristics | Yeast beta glucan | Inulin | Wheat dextrin | Psyllium husk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble | Soluble/Insoluble |
| Structure | Composed of beta-glucose units linked by beta (1-3) and beta (1-6) bonds | composed of fructose molecules linked together by beta (2-1) bonds | composed of glucose units, linked by alpha (1-6) and alpha (1-4) bonds | composed of hemicelluloses, made up of xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid units |
| Machanism | Bind and activate immune cells (macrophages and natural killer cells) | Remains intact until it reaches the colon, converts to prebiotic fiber, use it as a source of energy for probiotics to grow and multiply. | Bind to water and form a solution that adds bulk to the stool and promotes regularity. | Absorb water and form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, adds bulk to the stool and promotes regularity. |
| Health Value | ||||
| Digestive health | Promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria | Promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria | Promote regularity and prevent constipation | Promote regularity and prevent constipation |
| Blood sugar regulation | Less effective | Slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine | Slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine | Slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine |
| Cholesterol management | Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels | Less effective | Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels | Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels |
| Immune support | Enhance the immune system by activating immune cells | - | - | - |
| Weight management | - | Promote satiety and reducing overall calorie intake | Promote satiety and reducing overall calorie intake | Promote satiety and reducing overall calorie intake |
