*[[beta glucan]]
* [[alpha glucan]]
AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) is a natural substance extracted from certain species of basidiomycetes (a class of mushrooms that includes [[shiitake]]). Polysaccharides comprise 40% of the composition of AHCC. These include [[beta glucan]] (β-glucan) and acetylated α-glucan. Acetylated α-glucan, produced by culturing the mushroom mycelia, is unique to AHCC. Glucans are polysaccharides and these polysaccharides are known to have immune stimulating effects While research on AHCC's heath health effects is fairly limited, proponents claim that taking AHCC can produce a variety of health benefits.
==Special Precautions of AHCC==
Little is known about the safety of long-term use of AHCC. However, there's some concern that AHCC may trigger mild side effects, including diarrhea and itching.