“Beta-glucans not created equal”: Wellmune’s immunity benefits not transferable, finds Kerry research

30 Sep 2021 --- Wellmune, a part of Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio, has a unique chemical structure with a different branching and linkage pattern from the other beta-glucan samples. Therefore, previous studies that supported its benefits cannot be applied to other beta-glucans.

This is according to researchers at Kerry Ingredients & Flavors in the US. They conclude that such differences are largely accounted for by the source or strain of yeast and the methods used to isolate and purify it.

The study findings also add to the evidence that each source of yeast beta-glucan has a unique chemical structure, and therefore not all beta-glucans affect immune activity. Multiple biological activities have been attributed to beta-glucans, including immunomodulatory effects.

“We’ve long known that all beta-glucans are not created equal when it comes to scientifically proven health benefits. What these new findings demonstrate is that each proprietary source of yeast beta-glucan is structurally different,” says Donald Cox, R&D director at Kerry and study author.

“As Wellmune has a unique chemical structure, the research carried out on it cannot be used to claim immune health benefits for other beta-glucans. The next step is to investigate more about the way these structural differences affect functional benefits.”Previous studies supported that Wellmune’s benefits cannot be applied to other beta-glucans.

Beta-glucans analyzed
Researchers carried out a detailed structural analysis of five commercial samples of yeast beta-glucans, including Wellmune.

Wellmune was the only beta-glucan supported by over a dozen clinical studies. The analysis was published in the scientific journal Food Chemistry.

In the study, samples were analyzed for their beta-glucan content and the yeast storage carbohydrate glycogen. The beta-glucan content ranged from 74% to 86% and the glycogen content varied from 0% to 20%.

The linkage pattern of each sample was measured by the partially methylated alditol acetate method. This method showed that the samples varied from 1.9% to 9.2% branching. Additionally, each sample’s side chain length distribution was analyzed by an alkaline degradation analysis followed by ion chromatography.

The study findings confirmed that each source of yeast beta-glucan had a unique purity profile and patterns that determine the chemical structure and composition.

Industry players have tapped into Wellmune’s immunity benefits. Previously, DaVinci Gourmet launched Beverage Boost with Wellmune in the US. The ingredient was also positioned as suitable for inclusion in functional beverages that provide health boosts.

By Nicole Kerr