AB Biotek beta-glucan supplement may stimulate trained immunity in vaccinated individuals, study flags

03 Dec 2021 --- AB Biotek’s beta-glucan ABB C1 supplement, rich in selenium and zinc, has been proposed to boost trained immunity, according to a study carried out in Spain.

The research explored whether taking the supplement after receiving an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine would boost antibodies. 

The supplement “appeared to be able to stimulate trained immunity as compared with placebo, which indicates that ABB C1 provides a reliable source of absorbable micronutrients relevant to enhance the immune function,” outlines the study.

Spotlight on supplements
ABB C1 is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast that helps provide higher bioavailability and circulation levels with selenium and a blended form of zinc salts. It is produced by AB Biotek, a global business division of Associated British Foods.Zinc has been flagged for its potential to reduce virus risks and safeguard immunity.

According to the findings published in Nutrients, participants who took the supplement had increased antibodies IgG and IgM. 

“Nutritional supplements oriented to improve immune defense mechanisms for an effective antiviral immune response have been an increasing focus of interest, particularly in the face of immunosenescence,” the study notes. 

The study had a total of 72 male and female participants, aged 60 and above for those who received influenza vaccine and 18 and above for those who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants were administered the supplement or placebo for 30 days in the influenza cohort and 35 days in the COVID-19 group.

“Humoral and cellular immune responses were higher in concentrations in the ABB C1-supplemented group as compared to the placebo group,” the research reveals.

Selenium linked to immunity
Both cohorts who received the supplement were found to have higher levels of selenium and zinc. 

“Selenium is an essential trace element for a well-balanced immune response and plays an important role in antioxidant defense, redox signaling pathways and redox homeostasis,” note the researchers.

“ABB C1 was able to restore healthy levels of selenium and zinc in immunosenescent patients who are shown to be well below desirable blood levels at the beginning of the trial, providing a reliable source of absorbable micronutrients relevant to the immune function,” the study adds.

 Global interest in immunity
Previous studies have flagged a correlation between low selenium levels and COVID-19 death rates in China, which saw an increase in demand for selenium products. 

Similar findings were made for zinc, with research suggesting supplements could fight respiratory tract infection symptoms.

According to Innova Market Insights, three in five consumers said they were looking for products that support their immune health after spotlighting “In Tune with Immune” as Top Trend number five for 2021.  

Evidencing this trend, 40% of US consumers claimed to have added vitamins or immunity-supporting supplements to their daily routine on the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the pandemic is expected to leave long-term impacts on consumers, experts predict a boom in e-commerce and healthy eating, among other key trends. 

Edited by Andria Kades