BetaVia™ A natural, postbiotic for immune & gut health

AUTHOR: Samanta Maci, Kemin Human Nutrition and Health

Strong and well­functioning immune and gastrointestinal (GI) systems are essential for staying healthy. Market studies show that consumers recognize the link between poor digestive health and week immunity. Globally, 40% of consumers suffer from digestive health problems on a regular basis and a survey from 2022 conducted in three Eastern European (Poland, Serbia, Slovenia) countries indicated that 72% of consumers recognize the link between immune and digestive health respectively1,2

The GI and immune system are tightly connected, and their balance is essential for good health. The gut is considered the largest immunological organ in the body, controlling ­ through the intestinal barrier what needs to “go in” or stays “out” of the body and having a central role in regulating immune homeostasis3. Approximately 70% of the entire immune system is located around the gut4. Responses to pathogens, recognition and tolerance of self­antigens, tolerance to commensal microflora, and sensitization/desensitization to food components, all take place in the gut5

Among the lifestyle triggers that have been associated with negatively altering intestinal permeability are western diets low in fiber and stress6. Interestingly, the disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity is suggested to be the principle behind “leaky gut” ­ a condition gaining more attention and reportedly more prevalent. Leaky gut has been associated

Microbiological Tests

Aerobic Plate Count (CFU/g)

Yeast and Mold (CFU/g)

Coliforms(mpn/g)

E.coli

Salmonella

Staphylococcusaureus

L. monocytogens with a wide range of conditions from mild occasional GI symptoms such as bloating, gas and cramping, to more severe conditions including disease states including autoimmune and allergic diseases, food allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome7,8

The integrity and function of the intestinal barrier is influenced by internal and external factors. Bacterial overgrowth and gluten are known to increased intestinal permeability9. Dietary components can also play beneficial roles beyond basic nutrition including the influence of immune and gut health. Beta­glucans (BG) are one such food component that can act via immune­gut health promoting mechanisms10

Kemin Human Nutrition and Health has recently introduced in the market BetaVia™, a clinically studied, natural, postbiotic offering food and beverage and dietary supplement manufacturers the opportunity to address the emerging consumer demand for immune and gut benefits.

FIGURE 1 Triple­action mechanism of BetaVia™ demonstrated in pre­clinical and clinical research

Conform to technical specifications

Product characteristics

BetaVia™ is naturally sourced, algae­based dietary ingredient that supports both the immune and gastrointestinal systems, providing benefits for digestive and respiratory health.

This natural and clinically studied ingredient is sustainably produced from a proprietary strain of Euglenagracilis algae through a patented fermentation process (US 9,574,217 B2). Euglena gracilis from Kemin, is grown heterotrophically in closed tanks under controlled conditions. The optimization of this vertically integrated process results in the production of paramylon, granules made exclusively of long chains of linear, non­digestible, beta 1,3 glucan.

BetaVia is available in 4 diverse product forms suitable for different applications including water dispersible ones: 2 forms with ≥50% beta 1,3 glucans (on a dry weigh basis) also containing significant quantities of protein (≥15%), and small quantities of fat vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and long­chain polyunsaturated fatty acids naturally present in the Euglena gracilis algae, and 2 forms with ≥95% beta glucan content. Fewer

BetaVia has an established regulatory status on a global basis and is Kosher, Halal certified as well as vegetarian, gluten­free, allergen­free and non­GMO. Product characteristics and use is summarized in table 1.

BetaVia™ – Immune & gut promoter

In­vitro and in­vivo research indicates that beta 1,3 glucans from Euglena gracilis can play a beneficial role in both immune and gut health through a triple­action protection mechanism 11­15 (Figure 1).

Insoluble beta 1,3 glucans are part of a class of molecules known as pathogen­associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that serve as the critical, “nonself” alert signals recognized by cells of the innate immune system (macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells) present in the Peyer’s patches that are the sentinels in body’s natural defense present in the GI. Beta 1,3 glucans from BetaVia™ can reach the small intestine undigested, be phagocyted by the cells of the innate immune systems, prime these cells and recruit them to the GI tract12,16

Studies conducted in farm and companion animals suggest that continuous intake of algae­sourced beta 1,3 glucans can promote the host immunegut regulation and health, reducing gut susceptibility to inflammation and shaping gut microbiota16­19

From a clinical perspective BetaVia’s efficacy on immune health was explored in a randomized, double­blind, placebo­controlled, parallel study 90­day supplementation with BetaVia (providing at least 187.5mg of beta 1,3 glucans) where healthy participants self-reported significantly fewer symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections14 Statistically significant reductions versus placebo at 90 days were found on global severity of symptoms, number of URTI symptoms, number of days with symptoms, URTI episodes and fewer sick days (Figure 2). Interestingly, BetaVia effect started to be significant as early as 3 days of supplementation (posthoc analysis)20

Recently, to expand the knowledge about the benefits of this ingredient on immune-gut homeostasis, a randomized double­blind, controlled crossover clinical trial was conducted15. The clinical trial assessed the effect of supplementation of BetaVia™ on GI tolerability, symptoms, and blood markers of GI health in 50 generally healthy subjects with mild GI symptoms. Participants were randomized to receive capsules containing either 375 mg BetaVia (providing 187.5 mg beta 1,3 glucan) or matching capsules containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC- fiber control) and instructed to consume 1 capsule daily, 30 min before the breakfast meal for 4 weeks. Following 3 weeks wash out period participants initially taking BetaVia received placebo and viceversa for additional 4 weeks.

The study showed that BetaVia™ can promote gut health. Interesting unique intestinal health benefits noted exclusively with 4 weeks of supplementation with BetaVia™ are reported in Figure 3.

Furthermore, intestinal health benefits on additional markers of intestinal integrity, bowel movements and overall GI symptoms were comparable to the low-dose fiber used as the control.

Safety

BetaVia™ has an established regulatory status on a global basis. In Europe BetaVia (≥50% beta 1,3 glucans) is approved as a novel food ingredient for different range of foods and beverages in the general population and food supplement from 1­year of age onward21. A second Novel Food evaluation is expected soon making all product forms available for the European market22

BetaVia Complete is the first and only ingredient derived from Euglena gracilis algae to be approved in Europe. Furthermore, the positive NF opinion grants Kemin an exclusivity on sales in Europe.

Applications and Mode of Use

The daily recommended dose of BetaVia for adults is 375 mg (≥50% beta 1,3 glucans) or 200 mg (≥95% beta glucan) administered 30 minutes before breakfast.

Companies wishing to offer consumers an innovative new generation postbiotic ingredient for yearround immune and gut support can rely of a broad variety of applications to choose from.

BetaVia™ can be incorporated as an ingredient in foods and beverages such as cereal bars, yogurts and yogurt drinks, fruit and vegetable juices and soft drinks. Also, the ingredient can be included in diverse food supplements formulated in solid and liq­ uid forms such as capsules, tablets, sticks, softgels and syrups.

The dossier provided to EFSA also contained information on the stability of the ingredient as raw material and when used in food supplement and food and beverages applications. Since the ingredient is sourced from algae, depending on the selected product form it may require some flavor masking, just like most of other nutritionals derived from algae.

Final Remarks

The comprehensive preclinical and gold standard clinical research conducted by Kemin on beta 1,3 glucans from its proprietary strain of the alga Euglena gracilis confirms and extends the evidence that algal 1,3-glucans have beneficials effects for both immune and gastrointestinal health14,23­28. BetaVia™ could be a useful nutritional intervention for disrupted intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) or dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), both of which are linked to immune health and with lifestyle habits such as diets low in fiber and stress.

BetaVia™ fits the definition of a postbiotic viz “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.”29 making it naturally­sourced, new generation postbiotic offering the dietary complement consumers are seeking for better immune and gut health.