China Approves Wellmune Beta Glucan for Foods

The Ministry of Health in China has approved Wellmune WGP beta-glucan as a novel food ingredient, according to the ingredient’s developer, Biothera (Eagan, MN).

Wellmune WGP is a complex carbohydrate derived from the cell walls of the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ingredient supports immune health by stimulating the body’s levels of natural killer cells which detect foreign invaders. Wellmune WGP is supported by a host of in-house human clinical trials that repeatedly demonstrate reduced risk of respiratory tract infections after supplementing with the ingredient.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity to offer our immune health technology to the people of China,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera. “There are numerous applications in foods and beverages through which Wellmune can support the immune health and overall well-being.”

The company already holds an Asian presence with Sino Biothera HK Ltd., a division that is well-positioned to distribute Biothera products in Hong Kong and China.

Beyond its new Chinese regulatory distinction, the ingredient is non-allergenic, free of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA.