Data shows that the global market for immunity-boosting foods will continue to grow, and it is expected to exceed $1.3 trillion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%.^[1] In China, increasing consumer attention to health has driven the development of a massive market for immune-related products.

In 2023, among the domestically produced and approved health foods in China, the number of health products focusing on the field of immunity enhancement was the largest, accounting for nearly 42%. ^[2] Over the past two years, traditional natural ingredients like reishi mushrooms and goji berries have gained acceptance among modern consumers, while yeast β-Glucan, often referred to as the "super reishi," has seen a notable rise in popularity, alongside other emerging immune-boosting ingredients.

As early as the mid-20th century, scientists discovered the value of yeast β-glucan in enhancing immunity. Angel Yeast, a leader in yeast biotechnology, has long collaborated with scientific institutions to explore the broader applications of yeast β-Glucan. Research has shown that yeast β-glucan not only has the nutritional value of enhancing immunity but also has a positive impact on elderly cognitive impairment and controlling obesity caused by a high-fat diet.

Today, Angel Yeast's patented yeast β-Glucan has been widely applied in various sectors including dairy products, meat products, functional beverages, functional foods, and health supplements.

This article will introduce the definition of yeast β-Glucan, the advantages of yeast β-Glucan, application cases, and relevant regulations, providing an in-depth look at Angel Yeast's contribution to this field.

I. Definition of Yeast β-Glucan

(1) Yeast β-Glucan

β-Glucan widely exists in various organisms in nature. Glucans from different sources differ in structure, and their physiological activities and immunomodulatory abilities also vary. For example, glucans from cereal sources such as oats and barley mainly help in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels; ^[3] some glucans from algae fermentation sources help in enhancing immunity. ^[4]

Yeast β-Glucan, a natural active component located in the inner layer of the yeast cell wall, was first discovered in the mid-20th century in baker’s yeast for its immune-boosting properties. Compared to other sources, yeast β-glucan demonstrates higher immunomodulatory activity. ^[5]

Yeast β-Glucan has been approved by the Ministry of Health in China as a new food ingredient, and it can be added to a variety of food products including dairy, functional beverages, baked goods, and candies. In 2012, the Ministry of Health expanded its permissible use to include infant formula for older infants.^[6]

Yeast β-Glucan within the Yeast Cell Wall

(2) Angel Yeast β-Glucan

Angel Yeast has focused on yeast biotechnology for years, with its yeast β-Glucan being a pure, natural active ingredient extracted from the inner layer of the yeast cell wall. The structure of this β-Glucan consists of a main chain of β-1,3-D-glucan and branched chains of β-1,6-D-glucan.

The unique β-1,3/1,6 molecular structure of yeast β-Glucan is key to its immune-enhancing effects, and it also endows it with multiple health benefits such as assisting in improving radiation damage and regulating intestinal flora, which have been scientifically verified by research. ^[7]

Yeast β-Glucan

II. Functions and Related Research of Yeast β-Glucan

Angel Yeast has made numerous contributions to yeast β-Glucan research. Collaborating with academic institutions, the company has explored new directions for yeast β-Glucan and conducted clinical trials to validate its benefits.

(1) Immune Enhancement and Improvement of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
In 2022, Angel Yeast conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study on yeast β-glucan for upper respiratory tract problems in Australia. During the 3-month experimental period, it was found that taking 200mg of yeast β-glucan daily for 12 weeks helped reduce the severity of sore throat and improved sleep quality in participants with colds. Additionally, the study showed that yeast β-Glucan shortened recovery time, with the β-Glucan group requiring only 0.3 days of rest, compared to 0.7 days for the placebo group.

The impact of yeast β-glucan on the incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections

In addition, a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial targeting 8-12-year-old children explored the effect of yeast β-glucan on solving upper respiratory tract problems. The research found that short-term taking of naturally sourced yeast β-glucan could increase the levels of albumin and lysozyme in the saliva of children with respiratory problems, improving the mucosal immune function of children with chronic respiratory system problems. ^[8]

(2) Balancing Intestinal Health, Combating Metabolic Obesity

Angel Yeast has also partnered with academic institutions to explore additional functional benefits of yeast β-glucan.

In 2021, Angel Yeast and Nanjing Agricultural University found that yeast β-glucan could regulate intestinal flora to improve the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in mice, including improving body weight, fat accumulation, and liver steatosis. This means that yeast β-glucan can serve as a prebiotic for preventing MS and regulating intestinal microecology. ^[9]

In 2022, the School of Public Health at Huazhong University of Science and Technology found that yeast β-glucan could resist weight gain, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation in rats. In addition, long-term supplementation of yeast β-glucan could restore the changes in intestinal dysbiosis and the levels of short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides caused by a high-fat diet, providing a new nutritional strategy for reducing obesity. ^{[10] [11]}

(3) Regulating Intestinal Flora, Preventing Alzheimer's Disease

Research shows that gut microbiota influences the gut-brain axis, impacting cognitive function. ^[12] In 2020, the School of Public Health at Huazhong University of Science and Technology found that the composition of the intestinal flora of mice supplemented with yeast β-glucan for a long time changed significantly. In addition, yeast β-glucan was considered to be closely related to the process of forming Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yeast β-glucan might improve the cognitive dysfunction of rats through the gut-brain axis and reduce inflammation, improving AD-like symptoms, and the effect of large-molecule yeast β-glucan was better than that of small-molecule yeast β-glucan. ^[13]

(4) Assisting in Improving Radiation Damage
There are many radiation sources in people's lives, such as water and food contaminated by radiation. In daily diet, vegetables, fruits containing vitamins A, C, E and animal livers are good anti-radiation nutrients and foods. ^[14]

In addition, research has shown that yeast β-glucan may help mitigan damage. In one experiment, yeast β-glucan was administered orally to mice for 15 days, followed by exposure to three types of radiation. Results indicated that yeast β-glucan reduced bone marrow cell micronuclei and increased red blood cell SOD activity, suggesting an auxiliary protective effect against radiation damage.^[15]

III. Application Cases

The application of yeast β-glucan in various products demonstrates its diverse nutritional values. Brands represented by Angel Nutritech have widely used it in the fields of children, adults, and immunity-related nutritional products.For example, Angel Nutritech's lactoferrin and yeast β-glucan formula powder combines high levels of lactoferrin and yeast β-glucan to provide comprehensive nutritional support for infants, especially during high-susceptibility seasons. In addition, the yeast β-glucan elderberry-flavored beverage combines the unique flavors of yeast β-glucan and elderberry, creating a healthy beverage suitable for all ages.

In products from other brands, Feihe and Mengniu’s milk powders for children and adults incorporate yeast β-glucan and other nutrients to support essential dietary needs. Wandashan’s formula for middle-aged and elderly adults also includes yeast β-glucan to enhance immunity. In 2023, Red Bull introduced its EXTRA Strength functional drink, enriched with yeast β-glucan, further expanding its product line.

Generally speaking, yeast β-glucan has been broadly applied across dairy products, immune-support nutrition, functional beverages, and adult health supplements, making it a key ingredient for enhancing the nutritional and functional value of products across multiple categories.

IV. Relevant Laws and Regulations of Yeast β-Glucan
In 2019, yeast-derived β-glucan was approved as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) food additive by the US FDA.

In 2010, yeast β-glucan was approved as a new resource food by the Ministry of Health, with a consumption limit of not more than 250mg/day, excluding infant food.

In 2012, the Ministry of Health approved yeast β-glucan as a nutrient fortifier in infant formula and children’s milk powder, with a usage range of 0.21–0.67 g/kg.

Angel Yeast contributed to the development of the industry standard for “Yeast β-Glucan” and participated in the creation of national standards for “Food Safety Standards for Yeast β-Glucan” and “Method for Determining Yeast β-Glucan Content in Food,” demonstrating its role in setting standards for yeast and yeast derivative products.

References

[1] The Business Research Company (2023), Global Market Report on Immune-Boosting Foods 2022
[2] Zhongjian Tianxing (2024), 2023 Annual Review | Health Food Registrations Reach New High, Review Process Accelerates!
[3] China Health Management (2023), Nutritional Encyclopedia – β-Glucan
[4] Open Veterinary Journal (2022), Inhibition of African Swine Fever Virus Replication by β-Glucan
[5] Di Luzio NR, Riggi SJ (1970), The Effects of Laminarin, Sulfated Glucan, and Oligosaccharides of Glucan on Reticuloendothelial Activity. J Reticuloendothel Soc 8(5): 465-473
[6] Angel Yeast (2024), Yeast β-Glucan – A New Polysaccharide Food Ingredient
[7] Angel Yeast (2024), Natural Immune Modulator “Yeast β-Glucan,” Activating the Body's Innate Defenses
[8] Vaclav V, Josef R, Vladimir S, et al. (2014), Clinical Trials of Yeast-Derived β-(1,3) Glucan in Children: Effects on Innate Immunity. Ann Transl Med. 2014;2(2):15
[9] Guijie Chen, Dan Chen (2021), Improvement of Metabolic Syndrome in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice by Yeast β-Glucan Is Linked to Inhibited Proliferation of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus in Gut Microbiota. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2021, 69, 27, 7581–7592.
[10] National Institutes of Health (2022), Insoluble Yeast β-Glucan Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites.
[11] Li X, Wu J. (2022), Yeast Mannoproteins Are Expected to Be a Novel Potential Functional Food for Attenuation of Obesity and Modulation of Gut Microbiota. Front. Nutr. 9:1019344
[12] J.F. Cryan, T.G. Dinan (2012), Mind-Altering Microorganisms: The Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Brain and Behavior Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 13 701–712
[13] National Institutes of Health (2020), Yeast β-Glucan Alleviates Cognitive Deficit by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Aβ1–42-Induced AD-Like Mice. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
[14] New Nutrition (2023), The Test Under Nuclear Radiation Crisis, What Can Yeast β-Glucan Do?
[15] Zhang Yan, Xia Changhong, Zhu Yamin, et al. (2010), Study on the Anti-Radiation Effects of Yeast Glucan, Chinese Nutrition Society, Elderly Nutrition Subcommittee

Reprinted from FoodTalks

About Angel Human Health：

Specialized in yeast and fermentation, AHH is committed to developing innovative, differentiated, science-based functional ingredients and customized solutions, to help our customers get enduring success, as well as contribute to a healthier and sustainable world together.

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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