Wholesome in bulk™ Beta-Glucan 1,3/1,6 Powder from Baker's Yeast
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Bulk Beta-Glucan 1,3/1,6 Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
Beta-glucan 1,3/1,6 powder is a polysaccharide made from the cell walls of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Its sugar units are joined by beta-1,3 links, with beta-1,6 branches. Beta-glucans also come from mushrooms, oats, barley, and algae, and each source has its own linkage pattern and test method. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request testing documents and samples on the quote form.
A cell wall polysaccharide defined by source, linkage, and method
Beta-glucan is one name for several different materials. The source sets the linkage, and the linkage sets the right test. When you specify all three, lots from different suppliers become comparable.
Source sets the structure
Yeast and mushroom beta-glucans have a beta-1,3 backbone with beta-1,6 branches. Oat and barley beta-glucans are mixed linkage chains of beta-1,3 and beta-1,4 bonds. Algal beta-glucan from Euglena gracilis is a linear beta-1,3 chain.
Graded by beta-glucan content
Purified yeast grades are commonly sold at 70%, 80%, and 90% beta-glucan. A product sold as 10% beta-glucan yeast extract and measured by UV-Vis is a different material.
The method decides the number
Enzymatic methods measure beta-glucan directly, or as total glucan minus alpha-glucan. A UV-Vis or total polysaccharide figure is a different measure, so it cannot be set against an enzymatic result.
Insoluble or dispersible grades
Purified yeast beta-glucan does not dissolve in water. It forms a cloudy suspension. Makers also sell dispersible and water soluble grades for drinks.
Fine, pale powder
Yeast grades are white to off white powders, often 80 to 200 mesh, with a mild characteristic odor. Typical serving weights are in the milligram range, which suits capsules and tablets.
Cell wall components on the spec
Yeast cell walls also hold mannan and protein. Good specs cap them, for example protein and ash at NMT 5% each and mannan at NMT 10%.
Where formulators use beta-glucan 1,3/1,6
Beta-glucan fits measured formats where small fill weights are controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets
- Single ingredient powders
- Multiple ingredient powder blends
- Stick packs and sachets
- Powdered drink mixes, with dispersible grades
- Gummies, after stability trials
- Private label programs
Choose the grade by format. Standard insoluble yeast beta-glucan suits capsules and tablets, while drinks need a dispersible or water soluble grade. Base your label math on the measured beta-glucan result and the method named on each COA.
What to check before you buy beta-glucan
Two powders sold as beta-glucan can come from different organisms, carry different linkages, and be measured by methods that disagree. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Source organism
Confirm the source on both the spec and the COA, for example Saccharomyces cerevisiae baker's yeast. A product labeled 1,3/1,6 should not be described as oat or barley fiber.
Result and method
Ask for the beta-glucan result with the method named, such as an enzymatic assay. A UV-Vis result is a different measure, even when the percentage looks similar.
Identity check
Ask how identity is confirmed, for example by a GC sugar profile. This is how you tell yeast 1,3/1,6 material from cereal 1,3/1,4 material.
Cell wall leftovers
Check limits for protein, mannan, ash, and moisture. Some specs also set an endotoxin limit, such as under 2.0 EU per mg by the LAL test.
Regulatory basis
Ask which GRAS conclusion or other basis covers the material for your use. A GRAS file from one maker covers that maker's material, not every yeast beta-glucan.
Allergen and gluten status
Ask for a written allergen statement. For oat or barley grades, also ask for a gluten result, because barley is a gluten grain and oats are often handled near wheat.
Label math: Beta-glucan servings are small, often in the tens to hundreds of milligrams. If your label states beta-glucan per serving, base it on each lot's measured result and its method, not on the grade name.
Typical specification for yeast beta-glucan 1,3/1,6
These values reflect a common 70% yeast grade. Oat, barley, and mushroom grades use different methods and limits. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cell wall | Supplier declaration and GC sugar profile |
| Appearance | White to off white fine powder | Visual |
| Beta-glucan (1,3/1,6) | NLT 70% | Enzymatic assay (method named on COA) |
| Protein | NMT 5.0% | Kjeldahl |
| Mannan | NMT 10% | HPLC |
| Loss on drying | NMT 5.0% | USP <731> |
| Ash (residue on ignition) | NMT 5.0% | USP <281> |
| Particle size | NLT 90% through 80 mesh | USP <786> |
| Bulk density | 0.40 to 0.60 g/mL | USP <616> |
| pH (1% suspension) | 5.0 to 7.0 | USP <791> |
| Endotoxin | Under 2.0 EU/mg | LAL (USP <85>) |
| Lead | NMT 1.0 ppm, with measured value | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 1,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 100 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Shelf life | 36 months, unopened | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk beta-glucan
Beta-glucan powders keep well when they stay sealed, dry, and away from heat and light. These steps keep the powder in good condition between production runs.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. Fine polysaccharide powders pick up moisture from the air and can cake when left open.
Store cool and dry
Keep drums and bags off the floor in a dry room, away from heat sources. Follow the temperature range on the spec sheet.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original light resistant packaging. Some suppliers specify tight, light resistant containers for this material.
Control dust and rotate stock
Scoop gently and use local dust extraction at the blending station. Record the lot number and retest date for each container, and use older lots first.
Beta-glucan buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between yeast beta-glucan and oat beta-glucan?
The difference is structure. Yeast beta-glucan has a beta-1,3 backbone with beta-1,6 branches, while oat and barley beta-glucans are mixed linkage chains of beta-1,3 and beta-1,4 bonds. They are measured by different methods, so their percentages are not interchangeable.
What does 1,3/1,6 mean?
It names the bonds between the sugar units in the chain. Most units join through beta-1,3 links in the main chain, and beta-1,6 links form the side branches. Yeast and mushroom beta-glucans share this pattern.
How is beta-glucan content measured?
The most specific methods are enzymatic. For oats and barley, a method adopted by AOAC digests the beta-glucan with lichenase and beta-glucosidase, then measures the sugar released. For yeast and mushrooms, published methods measure total glucan and subtract alpha-glucan.
Why do beta-glucan percentages vary so much between suppliers?
Mostly because of the material and the method. A purified yeast cell wall glucan may test at 70% to 90% by an enzymatic assay, while a yeast extract sold at 10% is measured by UV-Vis. Compare only results from the same method.
Is yeast beta-glucan water soluble?
No. Standard purified yeast beta-glucan does not dissolve in water and forms a suspension. Dispersible and water soluble grades are made for drinks, so ask for the right type for your format.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
Request a quote for bulk beta-glucan
Tell us the source, grade, solubility type, quantity, and timing you need. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order Beta-GlucanBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or use the quote form for larger volumes, testing documents, and sample options. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
