Algae-based beta glucan ingredient demonstrates immune health benefits in trial conducted by Kemin

Kemin Industries (Des Moines, IA) has announced the results of a clinical trial demonstrating the immune health benefits of its BetaVia Complete ingredient, which is a proprietary strain of Euglena gracilis, a nutrient-rich algae with greater than 50% 1,3 beta glucan content. The study, completed in the fall of 2018 and awaiting publication, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted over the course of 90 days. During the trial, researchers utilized the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptoms Survery to collect self-reporting information from active adults that has upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).

Results showed that, compared to placebo, subjects taking BetaVia experienced 70% fewer URTI symptoms, four less sick days, and 10 fewer URTI symptom days over the 90-day period. “With increasing consumer demand for products that are both plant-based and offer immune support, we are excited by the study results, which show BetaVia Complete may give people around the world an opportunity to live a healthier life,” commented Josh Swalla, product manager of BetaVia ingredients, in a press release.