Yeast Beta-glucan Research Articles

Black yeast beta glucan for insulin resistance prevention through IL-33, ST2 and leptin Level: An In vivo study of an obesity model using Sprague dawley rats

Black yeast beta glucan for insulin resistance prevention through IL-33, ST2 and leptin Level: An In vivo study of an obesity model using Sprague dawley rats

Yeast beta-Glucan effects on gut microbiota for regulating insulin signaling system on alzheimer's disease

AbstractIntroduction:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for dementia in adults. The main pathological alterations are extracellular senile plaque deposits, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal apoptosis. Recent researches indicated that T2D is closely with AD by insulin resistance in central nerves system progression. Nevertheless, the pathological mechanism remains unclear and treatment is limited. β-glucan extracted from yeast, as a dietary fiber with high bioactivity, edible, good taste and easy-obtainable, have been showed abilities such as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic. Based on this, β-glucan can reduce insulin resistance and maintain gut microbiota thereby alleviating lesions of early AD.Materials and Methods:In this study, we used 36 male wild-type C57BL/6J mice were divided to 3 groups (control (C) mice injected i.c.v. with 0.9% saline as a vehicle, mice injected i.c.v. with Aβ1–42 (Aβ1–42 group), mice injected with Aβ1–42 and soluble yeast β-glucan 100 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage daily (o.g.) for 5 wks (Aβ1–42 + Glu)). H&E method was detected for structure of hippocampus. Morris water maze test was performed to assess the cognitive performance of Aβ-infusion mice. The microbiota composition was analyzed by 16sRNA sequencing. The levels of inflammatory were measured in hippocampal and plasma by Meso-scale Discovery (MSD). Western blot was performed to detect the level of protein in insulin signaling pathway. One-way ANNOVA with Student-Newman-Keuls was applied for the data analysis through SPSS software version 22.0.Results:As demonstrated by H&E sections, β-glucan reduced neuron damage in AD mice hippocampus. Decreased the levels of Aβ and phosphorylation of Tau protein expression in hippocampus (P < 0.05) and ameliorated insulin resistance (p-IRS-1) in hippocampus (P < 0.05). According by results from MSD and Western-blot that showed TNF-α (P < 0.05), phosphorylated JNK (P < 0.01) and Tau were up-regulated in AD but β-glucan group decreased. In addition, the abundance of beneficial bacteria in β-glucan mice is increased (g_Alistipes, g_Rikeenella and g_Saccharibecteria genera incerae sedies).Discussion:Summary, this study illustrated that β-glucan regulated insulin signaling for ameliorating learning and memory deficit in AD. Due to β-glucan can not pass Blood-Brain-Barrier, we hypothesized that β-glucan could regulates gut microbiota by metabolites for ameliorating neuron damage. Our study provides new ideas for the prevention of AD.

Effect of sulfated yeast beta-glucan on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in chickens

Immunosuppression is a condition that causes large economic losses in the poultry industry. To investigate the effect of sulfated yeast beta-glucan on immunosuppression, two hundred and fifty 11-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to five groups, and except for the normal control group, injected with cyclophosphamide once a day for 3 successive days. At 14 days of age, sulfated yeast beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae(sGSC) was orally administered at three doses to the chickens in three experimental groups for 14 days. On days 7 and 14 after the first sGSC dose, serum cytokine concentrations and peripheral lymphocyte proliferation were measured. Gut microbiota, organ index, and histopathological changes in the bursa were investigated on day 14. The results demonstrated that at 4 mg/kg, sGSC could significantly enhance the bursa index and IFN-γ and IL-6 concentrations, decrease TGF-β1 concentration, and promote lymphocyte proliferation; it could effectively decrease histopathological changes in the bursa and improve gut Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations in cecal digesta of chickens compared with the model control group. This indicated that sGSC could effectively alleviate immunosuppression and regulate the beneficial microbiota in the gut.

Pure yeast beta-glucan and two types of yeast cell wall extracts enhance cell migration in porcine intestine model

Abstract Beta-Glucans are commonly used health supplements for humans and animals. They represent a promising avenue to help combat many widespread health concerns including intestinal upset and inflammation. These beneficial effects may be different from species to species and between different cell types and therefore it is important to examine the mechanisms in any species or cell type for which this supplement may be used in. In this study we have shown that pure Beta-Glucans and the less processed yeast cell wall extracts significantly enhance cell migration in a porcine intestinal cell model, potentially through activation of the ELK1 pathway. The expression of migration-related genes was also seen to be significantly increased in response to Beta-Glucan treatment. Our data suggests that Beta-Glucans activate the CD22 receptor in the pig intestine, which has the potential to reduce inflammation. Overall, we found a novel mechanism through which Beta-Glucans exert their effects in the pig intestinal cell model.

A combination of yeast beta-glucan and milk hydrolysate is a suitable alternative to zinc oxide in the race to alleviate post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is currently used as a dietary supplement to support gut homeostasis during the standard ‘abrupt’ weaning practices in commercial pig production. However, a replacement is urgently required as a ban on ZnO usage is imminent. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of a bovine casein hydrolysate (5kDaR) and yeast β-glucan, and their combination, as an alternative to ZnO. Eighty 21d old male piglets received a basal diet or supplemented with 5kDaR and yeast β-glucan alone or in combination, or ZnO from the day of weaning and were monitored for 10 days (n = 8/group; dietary groups: control diet; control diet + 5kDaR; control diet + yeast β-glucan; control diet + 5kDaR + yeast β-glucan; control diet + ZnO). Individually, supplement yeast β-glucan or 5kDaR did not improve gut health. In contrast, the yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR combination supplement supported a healthy gut, indicated by healthy faecal scores and improved growth parameters; similar to ZnO inclusion (P > 0.05). There was no negative effect on the gut microbiota with yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR supplementation; while ZnO negatively affected the Bifidobacterium spp. abundance (P < 0.05). The inflammatory NFκB pathway was suppressed by yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR supplementation, similar to ZnO (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplement yeast β-glucan + 5kDaR restored homeostasis of the newly weaned piglet gut similar to the widely used ZnO, and can potentially replace ZnO.

Comparative Studies of the Growth Promoting Efficiency of Jerusalem Artichoke and 1-3,1-4,1-6 Yeast Beta-glucan on Broiler Chicks

The present study was designed to evaluate the growth promoting efficacy of Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) in comparison with yeast Beta-glucan (YBG) on the performance of broiler chickens, with special reference to their hematological, biochemical and histophathological effects. Therefore 120 one day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to two experimental (with JA tuber powder 3% and with YBG 0.03% on ration) and control (without any additives) groups. All chicks had free access to feed and water ad libitum for 6weeks. The obtained results showed that JA showed significantly improved average weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), gizzard index weight, intestinal villi length and width and WBCs count than YBG treated chicks than control chicks. Both experimental groups showed a significant improvement in PCV values, Hb Content, RBCs than the control. Moreover, both experimental groups showed a significant reduction on serum total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides levels than control group. From our results we can conclude both JA and YBG could be used as growth promoting agent on broiler chicks. However, JA was superior to YBG on most productive, hematological, biochemical and histopathological criteria.

Oral Supplementation with Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan Is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T Cells and Cytokines following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise.

Exercise and physical labor in extreme environmental conditions causes transient decreases in immune cell and cytokine concentrations, likely increasing the susceptibility to opportunistic infection. Baker's yeast beta glucan (BYBG) has been previously demonstrated to be an effective countermeasure in athletes, but its effectiveness in individuals of average fitness under similar physical stress is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if 10 days of oral supplementation with BYBG could modify previously observed suppression of monocytes, T cells, circulating and whole blood LPS-stimulated cytokines due to strenuous exercise. Venous blood samples were collected from 109 healthy volunteers prior to, immediately after, 2 and 4 h post-exercise. Monocyte and T cell concentration, cell-surface receptor expression and serum and LPS-stimulated cytokines were assessed. BYBG significantly (P < 0.05) altered total and classic monocyte concentration and expression of CD38, CD80, CD86, TLR2, and TLR4 on monocyte subsets. BYBG also significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell concentration and the exercise response of CCR7+/CD45RA- central memory (TCM) cells. Likewise, BYBG significantly (P < 0.05) altered serum IFN-γ and IL-2, and LPS-stimulated IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that oral BYBG supplementation modulates the expected exercise response for individuals of average fitness. This may result in a decrease in susceptibility to opportunistic infections after strenuous exercise.

Dietary supplementation of Thai black rice bran extract and yeast beta-glucan protects the dextran sodium sulphate mediated colitis induced rat

The present study was employed to evaluate the impact of black rice bran (RB) extract, and yeast β-glucan (YBG) supplementation on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rat model.

Improvement of immune responses to influenza vaccine (H5N1) by sulfated yeast beta-glucan

In this study, the adjuvant activity of sulfated glucan from saccharomyces cerevisiae (SGSC) was investigated. sGSC had molecular weight of 12.9kDa and degrees of sulfation of 0.16. The effects of SGSC on the splenic lymphocyte cells of mice were measured in vitro. The results showed that SGSC could significantly promote lymphocyte proliferation singly or synergistically with Con A and LPS, and stimulate the cells to secrete IL-2 and INF-γ. The adjuvant activity of SGSC was researched in BALB/c mice inoculated with inactivated H5N1vaccine in vivo. The results showed that SGSC could significantly enhance lymphocyte proliferation, effectively increase the percentage of CD4+ T cells, decrease the percentage of CD8+ T cells, and elevate the CD4+/CD8+ ratio; enhance the HI antibody titre, and promote the production of IL-2, INF-γ, IL-4 and IL-6 at medium level. These results indicated that sulfated glucan showed an excellent adjuvant effect on H5N1vaccine in a mouse model. Therefore, SGSC could be used as an effective immune adjuvant for an inactivated H5N1vaccine.

Bakers Yeast Beta-Glucan Decreases Episodes of Common Childhood Illness in 1 to 4 Year Old Children during Cold Season in China

Infections are common in early childhood and create a large economic burden on both the healthcare system and individual family. To solve this problem, we evaluated the ability of baker’s yeast beta glucan (BYBG) to reduce the number of episodes of common childhood illness in 174 Chinese children with 1 to 4 years old in a 12 week randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study. We found that children in BYBG group experienced less common childhood infectious illness episodes during the study compared to the placebo group and BYBG were well tolerated for the children with 1 to 4 years old.

Noble strain of Sparassis latifolia produces high content of β-glucan

ObjectiveTo classify four new Sparassis strains (CLM1, CKM1, CKM2, and KJM1) using the internal transcribed spacer sequence and to elucidate their β-glucan content and mycelial growth. MethodsTwo different microbiological media were used to determine growth rate. The β-glucan contents were analyzed using the Megazyme Mushroom and Yeast Beta-Glucan kit. To determine the genetic relationships, phylogenetic trees were constructed using ClustalX. Multiple sequence alignments were printed and shaded with the BOXSHADE 3.21 program. ResultsIn this study, four new Sparassis strains were isolated from the southern region of the Korea Peninsula. They were all classified into the Sparassis latifolia clade as a monophyletic group based on the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Mycelial growth rate of the CLM1 strain was highest in potato dextrose agar and potato dextrose agar larch. The β-glucan content of the CLM1 strain was highest at 29.5% (w/w). A high degree of sequence divergence was detected in the RNA polymerase second largest subunit II gene (RPB2) within Sparassis spp. tested. The putative amino acid sequences of the RPB2 had a distinct sequence. The nucleotide sequences of the RPB2's intron were also divergent among Sparassis spp., even though their nucleotide length was well conserved within Sparassis latifolia. ConclusionsThese results indicate that the nucleotide sequences and the amino acid sequences of RPB2 can be used to identify individual Sparassis sp. The Sparassis strain CLM1 may be best for developing a remedy to prevent or treat cancer and other chronic diseases.

Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro study

Anticancer properties of 1–3, 1–4 oat beta glucan are under intensive investigation now. Antitumor characteristic of fungi and yeast beta-glucans have been widely recognized, but those polysaccharides are mostly insoluble which creates several problems especially in topical formulation. Also high molecular weight oat beta-glucans reveal high viscosity which restricts its application. According to those problems in the current study the antitumor activities of low molecular weight beta-glucan derived from oats were investigated in cancer cells: Me45, A431 and normal HaCaT and murine macrophages P388/D1. The low molecular weight beta-glucan from oat significantly deceased cancer cells viability, while for the normal cells it was non-toxic. It was observed that with the increasing incubation time and the beta-glucan concentration the cancer cells viability significantly deceased. Furthermore for the normal cells the low molecular weight beta-glucan from oat was non-toxic. Immunocytochemical ABC analysis showed that beta-glucan induced strong expression of caspase-12 in both cancer cell lines, while in HaCaT cells ABC reaction was significantly lower and in P388/D1 cell line ABC reaction was negative. Our preliminary studies show strong anti-tumor properties of new low molecular weight beta-glucan from oat and at the same time no toxicity for normal cells.

The Growth Promoting Effect of Beta-glucan in Comparison with Sodium Butyrate in Broiler Chicks

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of yeast beta-glucan (YBG) in comparison with sodium butyrate (SB) on the performance of broiler chickens, with special attention to their molecular, hematological, biochemical and histophathological effects. Therefore 240 one day-old Cobb broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups. The first group (n=60): chicks received basal ration and water without any treatment (and considered as a control group), the second group (n=60): chicks treated with 25µg YBG/ml. drinking water/day, the third group (n=60): chicks treated with 0.49 mg SB/ml. drinking water/day and the fourth group (n=60): chicks treated with 0.98 mg SB/ml. drinking water/day. The chicks received the treatment daily for 42 days. The obtained results showed that administration of YBG or SB showed a significant improved average weight gain (AWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The growth promoting effects of these agents is a result of the improvement in the expression of Growth Hormone Secratoguge Receptor (GHSR) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R). Both GHSR and IGF1R were significantly improved by 3.5 and 4 folds respectively in chicks treated with YBG(25 µg/ml. drinking water/day) , 2 and 2.25 folds respectively in group treated with SB (0.49 mg/ml. drinking water/day) and 3 and 2.75 folds respectively in group treated with SB (0.98 mg/ ml. drinking water/day). YBG and SB (0.49 mg or 0.98 mg/ ml. drinking water/day each alone) significantly increased packed cell volume (PCV)% and red blood corpuscles (RBCs) count in comparison with the control. YBG and SB (0.98 mg/ ml. drinking water/day) significantly increased hemoglobin concentration (HB)% and white blood corpuscles (WBCs) counts. Chicks treated with SB (0.49 mg or 0.98 mg/ ml. drinking water/day each alone) there was a significant increase in serum total protein, albumin and cholestrol in comparison with the control group. Moreover, in chicks treated with SB (0.98 mg/ ml. drinking water/day) AST was significantly increased in comparison with the control group. All treated groups showed significant reduction in total bilirubin level compared with control group. Other tested parameters in all treated groups were not significantly changed compared to control group. Intestines of all treated groups showed significant improvement in length and width of intestinal villi in comparison with the control group. From the obtained results, we can conclude that YBG and SB can be successively used as new alternatives of antibiotic growth promoting agents in broiler chicks.

Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan.

Beta-glucans are a heterogeneous group of natural polysaccharides mostly investigated for their immunological effects. Due to the low systemic availability of oral preparations, it has been thought that only parenterally applied beta-glucans can modulate the immune system. However, several in vivo and in vitro investigations have revealed that orally applied beta-glucans also exert such effects. Various receptor interactions, explaining possible mode of actions, have been detected. The effects mainly depend on the source and structure of the beta-glucans. In the meantime, several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed. The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. The results of all studies taken together clearly indicate that oral intake of insoluble yeast beta-glucans is safe and has an immune strengthening effect.

Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan Supplementation Increases Salivary IgA and Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise

ABSTRACTStrenuous exercise, such as running a marathon, is known to suppress mucosal immunity for up to 24 hr, which can increase the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and reduced performance capacity (Allgrove JE, Geneen L, Latif S, Gleeson M. Influence of a fed or fasted state on the s-IgA response to prolonged cycling in active men and women. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2009;19(3):209–221; Barrett B, Locken K, Maberry R, Schwamman J, Brown R, Bobula J, Stauffacher EA. The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS): a new research instrument for assessing the common cold. J Fam Pract. 2002;51(3):265; Carpenter KC, Breslin WL, Davidson T, Adams A, McFarlin BK. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases monocytes and cytokines post-exercise: implications for infection risk? Br J Nutr. 2012;1–9). While many dietary interventions have been used to combat postexercise immune suppression, most have been ineffective. The key purpose of this study was to determine if baker's yeast β-glucan (BG) could positively affect the immune system of individuals undergoing intense exercise stress using two experiments. In the first (E1; N = 182 men and women), BG was compared to placebo supplementation for the incidence of URTI symptoms for 28 days postmarathon. In the second (E2; N = 60 men and women) changes in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) were evaluated after 50-min of strenuous cycling when participants had been supplemented for 10 days with either BG (250 mg/day) or placebo (rice flour). For E1, subjects reported URTI symptoms using a daily health log. For E2, saliva was collected prior to, immediately, and 2-hr postexercise using a salivette. Data for E1 and E2 were analyzed using separate analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures (p < .05). In E1, BG was associated with a 37% reduction in the number of cold/flu symptom days postmarathon compared to placebo (p = .026). In E2, BG was associated with a 32% increase in salivary IgA (p = .048) at 2 hr after exercise compared to placebo. In summary, the present study demonstrates that BG may reduce URTI symptomatic days and improve mucosal immunity (salivary IgA) postexercise.

Reduced incidence and duration of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children fed a follow‐up formula containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a prebiotic blend of polydextrose (PDX) and galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), and yeast beta glucan

Intakes of DHA, prebiotics, yeast‐β‐glucan, and other micronutrients have been associated with reduced incidence of respiratory infections.To determine if a follow‐up formula containing a combination of DHA, a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS, and yeast β‐glucan reduced the incidence of ARI in children.In this double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy children (3–4yrs) were fed 3 servings per day of a follow‐up formula (FF; n=156) containing DHA (25mg/serving), PDX and GOS (1.2g/serving), and yeast β‐glucan (12.8mg/serving), or a control powdered cow's milk (C; n=154) for 28 weeks. The incidence and duration of ARI were obtained from medical records. Incidence of ARI was analyzed with the CMH test. Duration of ARI was analyzed with ANOVA.The FF group had fewer episodes and shorter average duration of ARI compared to the control group (Table).When compared to cow's milk, daily intake of a follow‐up formula containing DHA, a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS, and yeast β‐glucan over a 28 week period resulted in fewer episodes and shorter duration of acute respiratory infections.

Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body’s defence against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects

PurposeThe effect of brewers’ yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-d-glucan consumption on the number of common cold episodes in healthy subject was investigated.MethodsIn a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, multicentric clinical trial, 162 healthy participants with recurring infections received 900 mg of either placebo (n = 81) or an insoluble yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-d-glucan preparation (n = 81) per day over a course of 16 weeks. Subjects were instructed to document each occurring common cold episode in a diary and to rate ten predefined infection symptoms during an infections period, resulting in a symptom score. The subjects were examined by the investigator during the episode visit on the 5th day of each cold episode.ResultsIn the per protocol population, supplementation with insoluble yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan reduced the number of symptomatic common cold infections by 25 % as compared to placebo (p = 0.041). The mean symptom score was 15 % lower in the beta-glucan as opposed to the placebo group (p = 0.125). Beta-glucan significantly reduced sleep difficulties caused by cold episode as compared to placebo (p = 0.028). Efficacy of yeast beta-glucan was rated better than the placebo both by physicians (p = 0.004) participants (p = 0.012).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that yeast beta-glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.

Baker's Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplement Reduces Upper Respiratory Symptoms and Improves Mood State in Stressed Women

Objective: Several studies have shown a baker's yeast beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is effective in reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms. This study evaluated the effect of a specific beta-glucan supplement (Wellmune) on upper respiratory tract symptoms and psychological well-being in women with moderate levels of psychological stress.Methods: Healthy women (38 ± 12 years old) prescreened for moderate levels of psychological stress, self-administered a placebo (n = 38) or 250 mg of Wellmune (n = 39) daily for 12 weeks. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey to assess changes in mental/physical energy levels (vigor) and overall well-being (global mood state). A quantitative health perception log was used to track upper respiratory symptoms.Results: Subjects in the Wellmune group reported fewer upper respiratory symptoms compared to placebo (10% vs 29%), better overall well-being (global mood state: 99 ± 19 vs 108 ± 23, p < 0.05), and superior mental/physical energy levels (vigor: 19.9 ± 4.7 vs 15.8 ± 6.3, p < 0.05).Conclusions: These data show that daily dietary supplementation with Wellmune reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus it may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System

Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. Methods: 100 healthy participants with recurring infections were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or yeast beta-glucan (Yestimun ® ; n = 50 each group) over a period of 26 weeks. The subjects had to document each common cold episode in a diary, and rate 6 predefined infections symptoms on a 3-point rating scale during an infection period, resulting in an infection score. The common cold episodes were confirmed by the investigators. Results: A total of 171 common cold episodes were documented. Of these, 76 were experienced by 38 subjects in the beta-glucan group and 96 were experienced by 48 subjects in the placebo group (p = 0.406). The beta-glucan group had significantly more subjects without incidences of common cold than the placebo group (15.6% vs 2.0%; p = 0.019). During the most intense infection season (first 13 weeks of the study), the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (“sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing”, “hoarseness and/or cough” and “runny nose”) as opposed to placebo. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.

Scientific Opinion on the safety of ‘yeast beta‐glucans’ as a Novel Food ingredient

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of ‘yeast beta-glucans’ as a novel food ingredient in the context of Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 taking account of the comments/objections of a scientific nature raised by the Member States. ‘Yeast beta-glucans’ consists of complex, high molecular mass polysaccharides derived from the cell wall of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This novel food application concerns both insoluble as well as soluble ‘yeast beta-glucans’. The source, characterisation, specification and production process do not give reasons for concern. The applicant intends to market ‘yeast beta-glucans’ in food supplements at dose levels of up to 375 mg per day and in foods for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS) at dose levels of up to 600 mg per day. It is not intended for infant formulae and follow-on formulae. In addition, the applicant intends to market ‘yeast beta-glucans’ in a variety of foods including beverages for the general population. The Panel notes that the “high intake” scenario for ‘yeast beta-glucans’ is grossly similar to the background intake of beta-glucans from other dietary sources. Data provided on (sub)acute and sub-chronic toxicity, absorption, and limited human data do not give reason for concern. The Panel considers that the allergenic risk of the ‘yeast beta-glucans’ is not higher than the risk from other products containing baker's yeast. Beta-glucans from other sources have already been evaluated for safety by EFSA. On the basis of the nature of ‘yeast beta-glucans’, the significant history of use of its source, the provided intake estimate and the supplementary data from human and animal studies, Panel concludes that ‘yeast beta-glucans’ is safe at the proposed conditions of use.