New method for determining beta glucan levels

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

New method for determining beta glucan levels
Chemists at Biothera,
the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP, have developed a more precise method for
analyzing the beta glucan content of raw ingredients and finished food,
beverage and supplement products.

Sept. 8, 2010, Eagan, MN – Chemists at Biothera,
the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP, have developed a more precise method for
analyzing the beta glucan content of raw ingredients and finished food,
beverage and supplement products.

The Glucan
Enzymatic Method (GEM) is more accurate and precise than other methods of
measuring beta glucan, according to a report published in the Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

“GEM is an
important advancement in the chemical characterization of beta glucans,” said
Richard Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer.  “For the
first time, food, beverage and supplement manufacturers can confirm
scientifically the purity and quality of the ingredients they are adding to
their products. Consumers also can have confidence that GEM-tested products
contain the beta glucan dosage as labeled.”

GEM relies on selective enzymes that detect beta glucan and break it down to glucose while leaving other polysaccharides intact. Other methods of beta glucan analysis have a tendency to overestimate the actual beta glucan content of a product, as all polysaccharides tend to be broken down into glucose and classified as beta glucan during the analysis.