Kemin Industries eyes immunity formulations with beta 1,3 glucan from algae following latest US patent
05 May 2021 --- Global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has been granted a US patent on the use of its BetaVia’s beta 1,3 glucans for modulating human immune function and treating intestinal inflammation.
“Kemin’s new US patent shows our commitment to science and innovation on human health and further explores the benefits and link between immunity and gut health – two of the most valued health areas for consumers worldwide,” Filipa Quintela, marketing manager EMEA at Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, tells NutritionInsight.
It is the second US patent for ingredients from Kemin’s proprietary Euglena gracilis algae, positioning its BetaVia ingredients for immunity formulation across food, beverages and supplements.
Moreover, the company cites algae’s growing popularity in the functional ingredient market. Algae it surpassed US$800 million in the category in 2018 and is forecasted to grow faster than seven percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2027, according to the company.
A natural multi-nutrient
Kemin’s BetaVia Pure and BetaVia Complete ingredients are both sourced from the Euglena gracilis algae, which naturally stores energy in the form of paramylon – crystalline structures made of long chains of linear, beta 1,3 glucan, explains Quintela.
BetaVia Complete is approved in Europe for a variety of food and drink categories such as granola, protein bars and yogurt.“It is grown under controlled fermentation conditions, which allows for the optimization of sustainable production of beta 1,3 glucans together with proteins and micronutrients resulting in a natural, nutrient-dense ingredient.”
BetaVia Pure is naturally sourced and contains more than 95 percent beta 1,3 glucan.
Meanwhile, the company’s BetaVia Complete ingredient boasts several nutrients. It has a naturally high concentration of beta 1,3 glucans (greater than 50 percent) and contains significant quantities of protein (≥15%).
BetaVia Complete also provides 18 amino acids (including all the 9 essential amino acids) and small quantities of fat vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are naturally present in Euglena gracilis, details Quintela.
“After years of research, we have found that certain species and strains of algae possess the ideal composition of bioactive ingredients and essential nutrients that could benefit human health,” says Dr. Geoff Horst, founder and inventor of the proprietary Euglena gracilis and R&D leader at Kemin Industries.
Regulation worldwide
Kemin continues to invest in the discovery and development of functional ingredients from natural sources around the world.
BetaVia is available in F&B applications and food supplements in APAC and the US. It has also seen recent regulatory approvals in the EU and Brazil.
In Europe, the final Novel Food approval was published in December 2020, authorizing the placing on the market of BetaVia Complete in a variety of food and drink categories such as granola, protein bars, yogurt and fruit and vegetable drinks.
“BetaVia Complete is approved in Europe for the general population from 1 year of age onward, making it the perfect choice for an all-family holistic solution to support immune and gut health,” notes Quintela.
More information on BetaVia can be found in Kemin's technical paper BetaVia Complete – Nature’s Immune System Support.
Stepping up immunity with beta-glucan
Beta-glucan has been previously spotlighted by NutritionInsight for its potential to go mainstream as an immunomodulator.
Beta-glucan is also the key ingredient in Kerry’s Wellmune, which has been studied for its immunity properties.
By Missy Green
