Solabia-Algatech Nutrition enters beta-glucan market with clean label algae offering

21 Jul 2021 --- Solabia-Algatech Nutrition is launching BioGlena for immune support – a 100 percent natural beta-glucan ingredient from whole Euglena gracilis algae. The ingredient boasts a high beta-glucan content of over 55 percent, in addition to complete proteins, essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.

“This is our first beta-glucan ingredient and is one of a few new microalgae products we intend to launch. We are strategically looking to increase our microalgae portfolio and bring more innovation to the table,” Liat Shemesh, marketing manager of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition, tells NutritionInsight.

The ingredient taps into the burgeoning demand for immune-supporting and clean label ingredients. It is notably processed with “clean” technology that does not use solvents or additives. 

It will be marketed within the North American, South American and Asian markets. Moreover, the powder ingredient is dispersible with a neutral taste, opening up applications in food and beverages, as well as capsules, tablets, gummies and sachets.

Grains, yeast and certain fungi are traditional sources of beta-glucans.An untapped source?
A major advantage of E. gracilis over other beta-glucan sources is its ability to be cleanly processed, explains Omer Grundman, vice president of R&D for Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. 

“In E. gracilis, the beta-glucan molecules are concentrated inside free-floating granules inside the algae, as opposed to fungi and yeast sources, in which the powerful polysaccharides are bound to the cell wall.”

This eliminates the need for harsh extraction procedures to isolate the beta-glucans. BioGlena contains the whole algae and no cell wall, allowing the beta-glucans to be naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract during digestion. 

“While grains, yeast and certain fungi are traditional sources of beta-glucans, researchers and formulators are increasingly recognizing E. gracilis as a significant high-value source,” says Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition.   

Clean processing “opens the door” for BioGlena to become a leading immune-support ingredient, the company supports. 

Beta-glucans for immunity rise
According to Innova Market Insights, immune health is the leading claim in global supplement NPD, constituting 30 percent of dietary supplement launches in 2020.  

It also is the second-most important health claim in food and beverage NPD. Within the immune health space, natural botanicals such as elderberry and beta-glucan-rich mushrooms are current on-trend choices.

“Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides known for their positive effect on the immune system, with more than 12,000 scientific papers published in the past few decades,” notes Safrai.

BioGlena is dispersible with a neutral taste, opening up applications in food and beverages.Preclinical and clinical studies support the positive impact of this microalgae and its beta-glucan on multiple aspects of immunity. 

E. gracilis’ naturally occurring content of a beta-1,3-glucan, called “paramylon,” is specifically recognized by immune-cell receptors, the company notes. 

“With immunity now a major global health concern, there is a rapidly expanding commercial interest in this unique alga species,” continues Safrai. 

Improving beta-glucan concentration
The beta-glucan content of E. gracilis is variable and largely dependent on growth conditions and medium composition. 

However, Solabia-Algatech Nutrition developed a multi-patented process for growing the E. gracilis that achieves a consistent concentration of over 55 percent beta-glucans in the final product. 

BioGlena is produced in a technologically advanced facility. It is recognized as GRAS and boasts a three-year shelf life. 

It is suitable for daily use with the recommended dose of 375 mg per day, adds Shemesh. It is non-GMO and has kosher and halal certifications.

Immune health still strong
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred increased concern over immune health globally, especially among Millennials and young Generation Xers, notes Innova Market Insights.

In recent launches, Performance Labs harnessed Kyowa Hakko’s ingredients Immuse and Setria Glutathione for their immunity support supplement PL-Immune.

Meanwhile, Giellepi Health Science has created a patented, clinically verified paraprobiotic that enhances adults’ immune system activities without traditional probiotics’ stability concerns.

By Missy Green