ß-Glucans (
beta-glucans) comprise a group of ß-D-glucose
polysaccharides naturally occurring in the cell walls of
cereals,
yeast,
bacteria, and
fungi, with significantly differing
physicochemical properties dependent on source. Typically, ß-glucans form a linear backbone with 1-3 ß-
glycosidic bonds but vary with respect to molecular mass, solubility, viscosity, branching structure, and gelation properties, causing diverse physiological effects in animals.