Mushrooms have long held a revered place in traditional health systems. Today, modern science is illuminating their potential with growing precision — particularly through a class of naturally occurring polysaccharides known as beta-glucans.

Among the most bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms, beta-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucans are central to ICON DNA’s Microbiome Science Formula™, designed to support immune and digestive function through daily, biologically intelligent supplementation.

What Are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans are complex carbohydrates found in yeast, fungi, and certain grains. However, the structure of fungal beta-glucans — specifically the (1→3)(1→6) branching found in mushrooms like Pleurotus eryngii — appears to interact most dynamically with the human immune system.

This structural form is recognized by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) in immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells (Sources - (1.)). These interactions may help prime the body’s natural defenses — not by overstimulating them, but by modulating their responsiveness to environmental and internal signals.

Immune System Support

Scientific literature consistently supports the role of mushroom beta-glucans in:

• Supporting the normal function of the immune system

• Enhancing innate immune awareness without overstimulation

• Promoting balance within the Th1/Th2 cell response — a mechanism central to immune harmony (2.).

While regulatory frameworks do not permit claims of disease prevention or treatment, both the FDA and EFSA recognize the importance of immune support as a nutritional function. Beta-glucans, when ingested regularly, may help the body maintain a resilient and balanced immune response — particularly during periods of increased physiological demand.

Gut Microbiota and SCFA Production

Beyond immunity, beta-glucans act as prebiotic fibers — fermentable substrates that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. According to peer-reviewed studies:

• Mushroom beta-glucans stimulate the growth of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria

• They contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate (1.)

• SCFAs play a vital role in:

  • Regulating intestinal pH

  • Enhancing mineral absorption

  • Supporting gut barrier function

  • Modulating inflammatory responses (1.)

In vitro studies using Pleurotus eryngii showed marked increases in butyrate production — a key indicator of prebiotic activity with potential systemic health benefits (1.).

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Low-grade chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a factor in metabolic strain, cognitive decline, and biological aging. Mushroom beta-glucans, along with other bioactives like ergothioneine, have been shown to:

• Modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines

• Enhance antioxidant enzyme activity

• Support tissue resilience under oxidative stress (2.).

These actions contribute to cellular homeostasis — the body’s ability to self-regulate and recover from stressors.

From Nutrition to Prevention: Supporting Healthy Longevity

Scientific consensus acknowledges that nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining long-term physiological balance. While beta-glucans are not a cure or pharmaceutical treatment, their daily, measured intake may help support:

• Resilient immune function

• Microbiota diversity

• Cellular protection and repair

• Healthy aging trajectories

This is why beta-glucans are increasingly studied in the context of post-chemotherapy recovery, immune modulation, and cognitive health in aging populations (2.).

Our Standard: Scientifically Verified and Ethically Grown

At ICON DNA, we cultivate our own Pleurotus eryngii under climate-controlled conditions in Northern Europe, allowing us to preserve the integrity of our polysaccharides. Our beta-glucans are:

• Refined through a proprietary multi-step extraction process that enhances potency and preserves molecular complexity.

• Stabilized through low-temperature lyophilization

• Third-party tested for identity, structure, and safety

We apply a 0.01% Origin Standard — a benchmark for traceability and integrity. Only a fraction of mushroom supplements today are grown, extracted, and tested under such conditions.

Evidence Sources

1. Mitsou et al. Effects of Rich in β-Glucans Edible Mushrooms on Aging Gut Microbiota. Molecules 2020, 25, 2806

2. Du et al. An Insight into Anti-inflammatory Effects of Fungal Beta-glucans. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2015

3. Synytsya et al. Glucans from Pleurotus Mushrooms: Structure and Prebiotic Activity. Carbohydr. Polym. 2009