Market Trends of Beta Glucan Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Beta Glucan Market according to our research experts:
Fungi has the Highest Content of Beta Glucan
Fungi immunoceuticals, mainly polysaccharides, such as β-D glucans, with antitumor and immunomodulatory effects, proceeded successfully through clinical trials and are used to treat cancer and chronic diseases. Thus, manufacturers are focusing on offering beta-glucans sourced from fungi as they are mainly known for their immune-modulating and various other disease-curing properties. In the healthcare field, mushroom beta-glucan is used to carry out research studies to identify its potential uses for human health. For example, research studies have been carried out to study the effect of mushroom beta-glucans on tumor inhibition in mice with tumors by providing oral administration of mushroom beta-glucan with radiation therapy. While the awareness of beta-glucans from sources like barley, oats, are quite high, beta-glucan sourced from mushroom can provide unique opportunities for researchers to discover novel bioactive with functional food potential. The ingredient is gaining traction for cosmetic applications as it is more moisturizing than hyaluronic acid and improves moisture levels in the skin with continued use. For example, Kosmetic Immunity by JKosmmune uses beta-glucan derived from mushrooms in its skincare products to boost and protect skin barriers while moisturizing skin. Moreover, with rising clinical studies regarding yeast as a nutritional source, GN Corporation launched Nichi Glucan, which is derived from Aureobasidium (black yeast). It contains beta-D-glucans that are the active compounds found in the cell walls of yeast, fungi, and seaweed. Beta-D-glucans, also known as biological response modifier glucans (BRMGs), have been well documented in animal and human studies for improving insulin sensitivity, increasing satiety, and reducing cholesterol serum levels. Thus, these innovations are supporting the growth of the market studied.
Europe is the Largest Market
Owing to the health benefits, and other beneficial properties of beta-glucan, this fiber ingredient has been gaining popularity across industries including food & beverage, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and cosmetics, among others. In the United Kingdom, the increasing product innovations in the cosmetics industry are expected to drive the demand for yeast beta-glucan for cosmetic applications. For instance, yeast beta-glucan provides the traditional moisturizing agent, and it acts as a natural repairing agent, compared to the conventional oat beta-glucan.Furthermore, in contrast to the relatively inexpensive commercially available beta-glucans from yeast, mushroom beta-glucans have been scientifically proven to have more diverse structures and consequently, superior immunological activity, thereby making them ideal for medicinal applications. Additionally, the sensitivity of consumers toward a healthy diet and its benefits for health and longevity is increasing. Food products containing nutritional substances such as vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants, among others, are often laborious to prepare and consume, discouraging those who have little time to devote to cooking and a hectic schedule. For these reasons, the formulation of products for easy and immediate consumption (like baked goods) that add value to consumers' diets is essential. Hence, food and beverage manufacturers have been increasingly using beta-glucan in baked products, dressings, cereals, meat and meat products, and other edible goods. For instance, Pastificio Granoro, one of the most prominent Italian food manufacturers, employs high beta-glucan content in its products including spaghetti and pasta, owing to the nutritional properties of the fibrous ingredient and the health benefits associated.
