Yeast beta-glucan: Growing market potential in immune health space

25 Sep 2018 --- With the onset of cooler weather in the Northern hemisphere, immune health is once again becoming an area of growing concern. Driven by increasing consumer awareness, the immunity ingredients space is starting to reach beyond classical vitamins, such as vitamin C, to include a broader range of well-researched ingredients. Immune health product launches are increasing, with Innova Market Insights data noting that food and beverage launches featuring an immune health claim increased with a CAGR of 18 percent in Europe between 2013 and 2017.

One ingredient currently taking a leading role in meeting demands in the immunity space is yeast beta-glucan. Derived from common baker’s yeast, yeast beta-glucan has been found to maintain or stimulate the effectiveness of the immune system. Moreover, it has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, and research is being done to investigate its positive impact on blood sugar levels.

Angel Yeast, founded in 1986, is one of the largest yeast and yeast extract manufacturers in the world with 12 factories in China, Egypt and Russia. Angel Yeast has since 2014 maintained an exclusive partnership with Van Wankum Ingredients for regions such as the US, Europe including Russia and Turkey.

Nutrition Insight spoke with Ed van Wankum, Founder of Van Wankum Ingredients, Jimmy Fu and Poshy Zhang, both of Angel Yeast’s R&D department, about the growing industry interest in, and opportunities for, yeast beta-glucan.