β-glucan is widely distributed in fungi, bacteria and plants. In the 1940s, scientists first found that a substance in the cell wall of yeast had immune-boosting properties. Further research at the University of Tulum showed that the immune-boosting substance in yeast cell walls was β-glucan, a polysaccharide, which was isolated from baker's yeast. In the late 1980s, scientists found that β-glucan has the effects of lowering blood lipids, lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular diseases, and its effects in regulating blood sugar, improving immunity and anti-tumor have also been found. β-1-3-D glucan derived from yeast is the first and most well-studied glucan found to have immune activity. Many trials have shown that yeast β-glucan is the most effective, also known as "immune polysaccharide", is recognized as an immune stimulant.

1. What is yeast β-glucan

Fubon yeast β-glucan is purified from yeast cell wall of specially fermented Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which can optimize the immune response mechanism of the pet body. It acts on the surface receptors of immune cells to activate immune-related signal transduction pathways and prompt immune cells to release downstream signal molecules, induce the body to produce non-specific and specific immune response. Therefore, β-glucan can be used as an immune balance agent to optimize the immune response mechanism of the pet's body, and promote the body's rapid immune response defense against invading bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It helps to improve the immunity of pets, especially sick pets. Meanwhile, some studies have elucidate the triglyceride-lowering properties of soluble fibers, including β-glucans. These ingredients may possibly delay triglyceride absorption in the small intestine and reduce rate of glucose absorption.

We have conducted in vivo studies in mice of β-glucan in yeast and evaluate the changes in their cytokine levels. Yeast β-glucan stimulated the expression of IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β effectively (Figure 1). This study reveals that yeast β-glucan is a potent immune activator and enhancer of the host’s antioxidant capacity.

Figure 1. Changes in the selected cytokines level in mice serum after glucan treatment

Note: Yeast glucan (YG; 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg).

2. β-Glucan as immunomodulators: Mechanism of action

β-glucan is ubiquitously found in both bacteria or fungal cell walls and is connected with have been implicated in the initiation of anti-microbial immune response. β-glucan acts on several immune receptors including DECTIN-1, complement receptors (CR3) and Toll-like receptors (TLR-216) and trigger a group of immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cell and dendritic cells. Low dosage of β-glucan can keep the immune system alert and making the host quickly react to invasive organism.

Macrophages and dendritic cells are the frontline immune cells of the body's defense. White blood cells have receptors on their surfaces that recognize invading pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) as well as β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan. Activated immune cells in endothelial cells release alarm signals or cytokines into the bloodstream, which not only stimulate the non-specific immune system, but also enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages and activate the production of specific immunoglobulin. Studies have shown that β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan not only has a positive effect on gut health, it also reduces immune disorders elsewhere in the body. This suggests that beta-glucan can activate the systemic immune response. If a pet's immune system is active and its immune response is fast, the body will be able to fight off disease more effectively when faced with an actual infection.

3. Applications for pets

Improve immunity and relieve arthritis

24 healthy female beagle dogs 3 to 4 years old were selected. Two different experiments were performed. The test period was 8 weeks. The test group added 200 ppm of β-glucan to the dry food, and the control group added the same amount of placebo. Increase in score (0-10 points) induced by β-glucan from baseline value (=improvement) for worsening (A), stiffness (S) and lameness (L) and pain (P). The results show that β-glucan can effectively prevent the deterioration of canine osteoarthritis, relieve stiffness, claudication and pain. Experiments have found that supplementation of 1% β-glucan can increase the content of IgA in canine serum (Figure 2) and improve the clinical symptoms of canine osteoarthritis (Figure 3). Compared with placebo (Control) treatment, β-glucan ingested disease worsened, stiffness, claudication and pain scores showed greater numerical improvement.

Figure 2. Effects of β-glucan on canine serum immunoglobulin

Figure 3. β-glucan improves the clinical signs of canine osteoarthritis

Decrease cholesterol, triglyceride and body weight

36 adult dogs were divided into 3 groups according to body weight, 12 dogs in each group. To standardize the diet, all animals in Group A and Group B were fed during a 15-day period with an experimental maintenance diet (control diet). After the diet acclimation period, collections and procedures for T0 started. Group A received the experimental diet with β-glucan supplementation (test diet) for 90 days, and then, consequently, composed Group C. The results showed that cholesterol and triglyceride serum concentrations were higher in the Group A than compared to Group B, and β-glucan intake affected these variables.

Table 2. Serum concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in dogs

Note: Group A: obese group, Group B: lean group, Group C: supplemented obese group.

4. Summary

In summary, β-glucan has the following effects:

1). Activate the immune system of pet cats and dogs (mainly activate non-specific immunity).

2). Reduced susceptibility to disease (especially in young pets, For example, it can reduced risk of bacterial infection)

Therefore, yeast source β-glucan as a pet food ingredient to improve pet immunity, has a very good effect on pets.

About Angel Animal Nutrition:

Fubon is a brand of Angel Animal Nutrition. Fubon is committed to developing natural, efficient microbial feed derived from yeast with Angel's leading technology in yeast industry, providing the best service solutions for the nutrition and health in animals. Angel Animal Nutrition creates value for global feed and animal agriculture customers through continuously upgraded products and professional services.

About Angel:

Angel Yeast Company is a high-tech listed company specializing in yeast and biotech. Product business covers Yeast and Baking, Yeast Extract-Savoury, Nutrition & Health and Biotechnology fields. It is one of the world's leading companies in the yeast industry. Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 150 countries and regions.

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