Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80% of the world with its products and services, has been granted a United States patent (US 10,912,794) for the use of beta-1,3-glucan for modulating human immune function and treating intestinal inflammation.
This new patent joins a previously issued patent (US 9,574,217) on the production of beta-glucan for immune modulation using algae from a proprietary strain of Euglena gracilis, ATCC PTA-123017.
This second patent for Kemin’s Euglena gracilis is timely, as both US and global surveys indicate consumers recognise the importance of a strong immune system for overall health and wellness, as well as for maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
Given consumers’ interest in their immune health – and algae-enriched foods, beverages and supplements being one of the fastest growing product categories – the beta-glucan in Kemin’s BetaVia products are ideal for immunity formulations.
In the functional ingredient market, algae surpassed $800 million in 2018 and is forecast to grow faster than 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2027.
“After years of research, we have found that certain species and strains of algae possess the ideal composition of bioactive ingredients and essential nutrients that could benefit human health,” said Dr Geoff Horst, founder and inventor of the proprietary Euglena gracilis and R&D Leader, Kemin Industries.
“In particular, the Kemin proprietary strain of Euglena gracilis has shown especially robust immune support stemming from its high content of beta-1,3-glucan.”
Kemin’s BetaVia Complete and BetaVia Pure ingredients are sourced from proprietary Euglena gracilis algae. BetaVia Complete is nutritionally rich with a composition of greater than 50% beta-1,3-glucan, protein (greater than 15%), fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids.
BetaVia Pure is naturally sourced with more than 95% beta-1,3-glucan. BetaVia is made through a patented fermentation process, making both ingredients stand apart from other immune support ingredients on the market.
“Our science and spirit of innovation have driven Kemin to deliver ingredients to support healthier people worldwide,” said Dr Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries. “These patents further support Kemin’s efforts to improve human health today and tomorrow.”
Kemin continues to invest in the discovery and development of functional ingredients from natural sources around the world. BetaVia is available in key markets globally, with the most recent regulatory approvals in the European Union and Brazil.
