Targeting immune support, Solabia- Algatech Nutrition, has launched BioGlena, Euglena gracilis algae produced using proprietary fermentation technology that ensures a high beta-glucan content (>55%) in addition to complete protein plus essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
 
This next-generation source of beta-glucan is all-natural and cleanly processed without solvents or additives.
 
Beta-glucan polysaccharides are touted as nature’s immune-modulator, helping to prime the immune cells and support natural immunity. E. gracilis’ naturally occurring content of a β-1,3-glucan (called “paramylon”) is specifically recognized by immune-cell receptors. Preclinical and clinical studies support the positive impact of this microalgae and it’s β-glucan on multiple aspects of immunity.
 
The β-glucan content of E. gracilis is variable and largely dependent on growth condition and medium composition. However, Solabia-Algatech Nutrition managed to develop a multi-patented process for growing the E. gracilis that achieves a consistent concentration of over 55% β-glucans in the final product.
 
According to data from Innova Market Insights, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred increased concern over immune health globally, especially among Millennials and young Generation-X.
 
Globally, supporting immune health is currently the leading claim in new product development of dietary supplements, constituting 30% of dietary supplement launches in 2020, according to Innova Market Insights; it is also the second-most important health claim in food and beverage NPD. Within the immune health space, natural botanicals such as elderberry and beta-glucan rich mushrooms are current on-trend choices.
 
“Beta-glucans, are naturally occurring polysaccharides known for their positive effect on the immune system, with more than 12,000 scientific papers published in the past few decades,” said Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “While grains, yeast, and certain fungi are traditional sources of beta-glucans, researchers and formulators are increasingly recognizing E. gracilis as a significant high-value source.”
 
“In E. gracilis the beta-glucan molecules are concentrated inside free-floating granules inside the algae, as opposed to fungi and yeast sources, in which the powerful polysaccharides are bound to the cell wall,” said Omer Grundman, PhD, vice president of research and development for Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “This eliminates the need for harsh extraction procedures to isolate the beta-glucans. BioGlena contains the whole algae and no cell wall, allowing the beta-glucans to be naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract during digestion. This is a major advantage of E. gracilis over other beta-glucan sources, opening the door for BioGlena to become a leading immune-support ingredient.”
 
BioGlena is recognized as GRAS, with a three-year shelf life, and comes in a powder form. Suitable for dispersible formulations, it can applied to multiple food and dietary supplement applications, including capsules, tablets, soft gels, gummies, sachets as well as dairy food, beverages and nutrition bars. BioGlena is non-GMO and has kosher and halal certifications.