BetaVia® - Clinical Research Data Summary

BetaVia™ Algae-Derived Beta-1,3-Glucan

BetaVia™ is a clinically studied ingredient used in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:

Postbiotic+ – https://www.silverfernbrand.com/products/postbiotic

Introduction

BetaVia™ is a high-purity, algae-derived β-1,3-glucan sourced from Euglena gracilis that helps support immune readiness while maintaining immune balance. Unlike cereal- or yeast-derived beta-glucans, BetaVia™ has a highly uniform molecular structure that enables interaction with pattern recognition receptors such as Dectin-1 on innate immune cells. Human clinical research in physically active individuals suggests that supplementation with Euglena gracilis–derived beta-glucans may help support healthy immune function during periods of physical stress. Mechanistic studies further show that beta-glucans can promote normal immune surveillance through activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. In addition to supporting immune function, ingredient-specific preclinical data suggest BetaVia™ may exhibit prebiotic-like properties, helping support beneficial gut bacteria and reinforcing the gut-immune connection.*

These are the studies for BetaVia™. Below, we provided a summary of each key data for each study, along with a link to the complete clinical research.

Summary of Study 1 – Full Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31816842/
Summary of Study 2 – Full Study: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/17/3114
Summary of Study 3 – Full Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33963479/
Summary of Study 4 – Full Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37376063/
Summary of Study 5 – Full Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34444949/
Summary of Study 6 – Full Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464616303528

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/markets/human-nutrition/products/betavia-immune-health

Study 1 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31816842/

Effect of a Euglena gracilis Fermentate on Immune Function in Healthy, Active Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Nutrients. 2019;11(12):2926. doi:10.3390/nu11122926. PMID: 31816842 | PMCID: PMC6950611.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Nutrients, researchers evaluated the effects of a fermented Euglena gracilis algae-derived beta-1,3-glucan on immune function in healthy, physically active adults. This population was selected because prolonged, high-intensity aerobic exercise can place temporary stress on the immune system. Over a 90-day supplementation period, investigators assessed measures of immune health, symptom reporting, and safety outcomes to evaluate whether daily beta-glucan intake could help support immune function during periods of exercise-related physiological stress while maintaining normal clinical safety markers.

Study Design Highlights

Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Population: Healthy, endurance-trained adults exercising 1.5–3 hours/day, 5–6 days/week
Dose: 367 mg/day algae-derived fermentate (~50% beta-glucans ≈ 183 mg active beta-1,3-glucan)
Duration: 90 days
Note: BetaVia™ uses a higher-potency 95% beta-glucan extract, delivering an equivalent clinically studied dose at 200 mg

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

Compared with the placebo group, participants receiving the beta-glucan showed improvements in several measures of immune-related symptom reporting and wellness indicators during the study period, including:

Fewer reported days experiencing immune-related symptoms
Lower total number of reported symptoms
Fewer days with reported symptoms
Fewer reported illness-related episodes
Lower overall symptom severity scores

All safety assessments remained within normal clinical ranges throughout the study.

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the clinical outcomes, BetaVia™ was shown to:
✓ Help support healthy immune function during periods of increased physical stress
✓ Support fewer reported immune-related symptom days
✓ Support lower overall symptom severity scores
✓ Support fewer reported illness-related episodes
✓ Be well tolerated with all safety markers remaining within normal clinical ranges

Why This Study Matters

This study provides insight into how beta-glucans may help support immune resilience during periods of heightened physical or lifestyle stress. Situations that can temporarily challenge immune function may include intense physical activity, high levels of daily stress, poor sleep or demanding schedules, frequent travel, and seasonal environmental changes. Supporting immune readiness during these periods may help individuals maintain overall wellness and continue daily activities with fewer disruptions.*

Reference Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31816842/

Study 2 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/17/3114

Paramylon, a Potent Immunomodulator from WZSL Mutant of Euglena gracilis
Molecules. 2019;24(17):3114. doi:10.3390/molecules24173114.

In a peer-reviewed perspective article published in Molecules, Barsanti and Gualtieri reviewed the biological properties of paramylon, a highly purified crystalline β-(1→3)-glucan extracted from a non-chloroplastic WZSL mutant of Euglena gracilis. Paramylon is one of the most structurally uniform naturally occurring β-(1→3)-glucans and can be processed into linear nanofibers capable of interacting with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on immune cell membranes. The authors describe how the unique molecular structure, high purity, and algae-derived source of paramylon allow it to interact with receptors such as Dectin-1, which play a role in normal innate immune signaling.

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

This article explains that paramylon, a highly purified crystalline β-(1→3)-glucan derived from a WZSL mutant of Euglena gracilis, represents one of the most structurally consistent beta-glucans identified in nature. When processed into linear nanofibers, paramylon can interact with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including Dectin-1, located on innate immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Through these interactions, β-glucans are thought to influence normal immune cell signaling pathways involved in immune recognition and cellular communication.

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the review findings, paramylon from Euglena gracilis was shown to:
✓ Demonstrate a highly uniform molecular structure among naturally occurring β-(1→3)-glucans
✓ Interact with Dectin-1 and other pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells
✓ Influence normal immune cell signaling pathways in macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells
✓ Show structural advantages over cereal- or yeast-derived beta-glucans

Why This Study Matters

This research helps explain why structurally distinct beta-glucans may interact differently with the immune system. The biological activity of β-(1→3)-glucans depends heavily on factors such as molecular structure, purity, and biological source. Paramylon derived from Euglena gracilis represents a well-characterized form of β-(1→3)-glucan that has been widely studied for its ability to interact with innate immune receptors involved in normal immune signaling processes. Understanding these structural differences helps guide the design and evaluation of beta-glucan ingredients used in nutritional products.*

Reference Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/17/3114

Study 3 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33963479/

β-Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency — A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Trial
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2022;28(5):394–402. doi:10.1007/s11655-021-3444-0. PMID: 33963479.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, researchers evaluated the effects of beta-glucan supplementation on measures of immune-related wellness in 138 adults identified as having Protective Qi (PQi) deficiency, a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept associated with reduced vitality and increased susceptibility to seasonal wellness challenges. Researchers assessed changes in PQi-related wellness scores and immune markers, including salivary secretory IgA (sIgA), a component of normal mucosal immune function.

Study Design Highlights

Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Participants: 138 adults with PQi deficiency
Dose: 200 mg beta-glucans daily
Duration: 12 weeks
Comparator: Placebo

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

Compared with the placebo group, participants receiving beta-glucans demonstrated improvements in several measures associated with immune-related wellness and vitality, including:

Maintenance of salivary secretory IgA (sIgA) levels, while the placebo group experienced a seasonal decline
Improvements in PQi-related wellness scores
Improvements in self-reported vitality and physical well-being measures
Improvements in several PQi-related symptom indicators, including fatigue and feelings of low vitality

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the clinical outcomes, beta-glucan supplementation was shown to:
✓ Support maintenance of salivary secretory IgA (sIgA) during seasonal wellness challenges
✓ Support improvements in immune-related wellness scores
✓ Support self-reported vitality and physical well-being measures
✓ Help reduce indicators of fatigue and low vitality
✓ Demonstrate benefits at 200 mg/day over 12 weeks

Why This Study Matters

Although this study was conducted within a Traditional Chinese Medicine framework, it provides insight into how beta-glucan supplementation may support overall immune wellness and resilience during everyday lifestyle stressors such as high levels of daily stress, poor sleep or demanding schedules, seasonal environmental changes, frequent travel, and periods of increased physical or mental workload. Supporting normal immune system function during these periods may help individuals maintain overall wellness and daily performance.*

Reference Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33963479/

Study 4 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37376063/

Immunomodulatory Effect and Biological Significance of β-Glucans
Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1615. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061615.

In a comprehensive review published in Pharmaceutics, Zhong and colleagues examined the biological properties and physiological relevance of β-glucans derived from a variety of natural sources. The authors discuss how β-glucans interact with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on immune cells, including Dectin-1, complement receptor 3 (CR3), and Toll-like receptors. These interactions are involved in normal immune signaling pathways that support communication between immune cells. The review highlights how structural characteristics — such as β-(1→3) linkages, branching patterns, molecular weight, and source — can influence how β-glucans interact with immune receptors and participate in normal immune system processes.

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

Zhong et al. reviewed a large body of scientific literature describing how β-glucans interact with immune receptors located on cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. These interactions may influence several normal immune system activities, including macrophage and neutrophil function, cellular signaling, and immune cell communication. The review also emphasizes that structural factors — such as the β-(1→3) backbone, branching patterns, molecular weight, purity, and biological source — play an important role in determining how β-glucans interact with immune receptors.

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the review findings, β-glucans were shown to:
✓ Interact with Dectin-1, complement receptor 3 (CR3), and Toll-like receptors on immune cells
✓ Influence normal macrophage and neutrophil function
✓ Support normal immune cell signaling and communication
✓ Demonstrate biological activity influenced by structural purity and source
✓ Highlight why algae-derived β-(1→3)-glucans may interact more consistently with immune receptors

Why This Study Matters

This review helps explain why beta-glucans from different sources may interact differently with the immune system. Structural differences influence how beta-glucans interact with immune receptors, highly purified β-(1→3)-glucans may interact more consistently with immune signaling pathways, and the biological source of beta-glucans can affect their structural characteristics. Understanding these mechanisms helps guide research and development of beta-glucan ingredients used in nutritional products.*

Reference Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37376063/

Study 5 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34444949/

Clinical Outcomes after Oat Beta-Glucans Dietary Treatment in Gastritis Patients
Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2791. doi:10.3390/nu13082791.

In a randomized dietary intervention study published in Nutrients, Gudej and colleagues examined the effects of oat-derived beta-glucans on gastrointestinal health markers in individuals diagnosed with gastritis. Researchers evaluated whether daily consumption of beta-glucan–containing foods influenced biomarkers associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and mucosal integrity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Study Design Highlights

Study design: Dietary intervention clinical study
Population: Adults diagnosed with gastritis
Comparator: Standard diet vs. beta-glucan–enriched diet
Dose: Oat-derived beta-glucans (dietary intake standardized within the intervention diet)
Duration: 4 weeks
Form: Beta-glucan–enriched dietary foods containing β-(1→3)(1→4) oat beta-glucans
Note: This study used a dietary intervention rather than a capsule supplement, which is why intake was measured through diet rather than a fixed capsule dose

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

During the intervention period, researchers observed several statistically significant changes in biomarkers associated with gastrointestinal physiology, including:

Changes in markers associated with inflammatory signaling
Changes in oxidative stress biomarkers
Increases in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10
Improvements in several measures related to gastric mucosal function

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the study findings, dietary beta-glucans were shown to:
✓ Influence markers associated with inflammatory signaling in the gastrointestinal tract
✓ Support changes in oxidative stress biomarkers
✓ Support increases in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10
✓ Support improvements in measures related to gastric mucosal function

Why This Study Matters

Although this study examined oat-derived beta-glucans in a clinical population, it provides insight into how beta-glucans may interact with biological processes in the gastrointestinal environment. Beta-glucans interact with biological pathways involved in immune signaling within the digestive tract, may influence biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and mucosal physiology, and the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in overall immune system activity. This research helps illustrate how beta-glucans interact with biological processes occurring at the interface of the digestive system and the immune system.*

Reference Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34444949/

Study 6 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464616303528

Impact of Purified Oat β-Glucan on Inflammation Parameters during Gastritis
Journal of Functional Foods. 2017;28:11–18. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2016.10.028.

In a controlled clinical intervention published in the Journal of Functional Foods, Suchecka and colleagues examined the effects of purified oat-derived β-glucans on biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in individuals diagnosed with gastritis. The researchers evaluated whether daily intake of purified β-(1→3)(1→4) oat β-glucans influenced biomarkers related to oxidative stress, immune signaling, and gastric mucosal physiology.

Study Design Highlights

Study design: Controlled dietary intervention study
Population: Adults diagnosed with gastritis
Comparator: Standard diet vs. β-glucan supplementation
Dose: 1 g/day of purified oat β-glucans
Duration: 30 days
Form: Purified β-(1→3)(1→4) oat beta-glucan preparation

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

Compared with baseline and control conditions, β-glucan supplementation was associated with several statistically significant changes in biological markers measured in the study, including:

Changes in cytokines associated with inflammatory signaling, including TNF-α and IL-6
Changes in oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA)
Increases in antioxidant enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Changes in markers associated with gastric mucosal physiology

Benefits of BetaVia™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the study findings, purified beta-glucans were shown to:
✓ Influence cytokines associated with inflammatory signaling including TNF-α and IL-6
✓ Support changes in oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA)
✓ Support increases in antioxidant enzyme activity including superoxide dismutase (SOD)
✓ Support changes in markers associated with gastric mucosal physiology

Why This Study Matters

Although this study was conducted in a clinical population, it provides insight into how beta-glucans may interact with biological processes occurring within the gastrointestinal environment. Beta-glucans interact with biological pathways associated with immune signaling in the digestive tract, may influence biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, and the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in overall immune system activity. This research helps illustrate how beta-glucans interact with biological processes occurring at the interface between the digestive system and immune system.*

Reference Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464616303528

Ingredient-Specific Preclinical Research

Sadewasser. Characteristics and Prebiotic-like Properties of BetaVia™ Complete. Ingredient-specific in vitro data. Unpublished.

Ingredient-specific in vitro research indicates that BetaVia™ exhibits prebiotic-like properties, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Together with human clinical research and mechanistic studies, these findings suggest that BetaVia™ may help support immune function while remaining compatible with a healthy gut microbiome.*

Big-Picture Integration with Other Studies

Study 1: In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, supplementation with a fermented Euglena gracilis beta-glucan was associated with improvements in several measures of immune-related wellness in healthy, endurance-trained adults, with no adverse safety findings reported.
Study 2: Research describing paramylon, a highly purified β-(1→3)-glucan derived from Euglena gracilis, discusses how this compound interacts with innate immune receptors such as Dectin-1, which play a role in normal immune signaling.
Study 3: In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, supplementation with beta-glucans for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in several immune-related wellness indicators, including maintenance of mucosal immune markers such as salivary IgA.
Study 4: Scientific review literature describes how β-glucans interact with immune receptors such as Dectin-1, with biological activity influenced by glucan structure, purity, and source.
Study 5: Dietary oat beta-glucan intake was associated with changes in biomarkers related to inflammatory signaling and gastrointestinal physiology in a clinical population.
Study 6: Purified oat β-glucan intake was associated with changes in biomarkers related to oxidative stress, immune signaling, and gastric mucosal physiology in the study population.

BetaVia™ Ingredient Summary & Real-World Relevance

Collectively, clinical studies, mechanistic research, and supporting scientific literature suggest that beta-glucans such as those derived from Euglena gracilis may help support normal immune system function. Human clinical research has evaluated beta-glucans in populations experiencing physical or lifestyle stress, while additional studies describe how beta-glucans interact with biological pathways involved in immune signaling and gastrointestinal physiology. These findings suggest that BetaVia™ may be a useful nutritional ingredient for individuals seeking to support immune wellness during everyday lifestyle challenges such as periods of physical exertion, demanding schedules, travel, seasonal environmental changes, or other forms of daily stress. In practical terms, BetaVia™ is designed to support normal immune system function while remaining compatible with a healthy gut microbiome.*

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/markets/human-nutrition/products/betavia-immune-health

BetaVia™ is a clinically studied ingredient used in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:

Postbiotic+

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.