The functions of polysaccharides and polysaccharide complexes in living organisms are receiving increasing attention from many researchers and have become one of the hot spots in biological research.
Yeast cell wall polysaccharides, especially β-glucan and mannans, are gaining more and more interest these years in the food and feed industries as ingredients, nutritional supplements and functional foods.
This article will give a brief introduction to the source and composition of yeast polysaccharides and their biological functions.
Sources and composition of yeast polysaccharides
Yeast polysaccharide is an important part of the yeast cell wall, widely found in yeast and fungal cell wall, accounting for 40% of the dry weight of yeast cell wall, the composition of YPS varies depending on the extraction method.
The three main polysaccharide groups that form the cell wall are: β-glucan, mannose polymers (mannans as mannoproteins) and chitin (approximately 60, 40 and 2%, respectively). Because of their health benefits, they are widely used in food, pet food and feed products, and supplements. This article provides information on β-glucans and mannans, focusing on those derived from baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae).
First, yeast β-glucan forms a long chain consisting of a β-(1,3)-linked glucan backbone and a β-(1,6)-linked glucose side branch. Different fungal cell walls contain different glucans and side-chain linkages. Beta glucans are considered insoluble dietary fiber. ·
Mannan is a glucomannan protein complex, produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of the inner cell wall of yeast, and is a potent immune activator. The exterior of the yeast cell wall contains another functional carbohydrate, glucomannan protein, which binds mycotoxins. This combination of mannan oligosaccharides obtained through yeast cell wall extraction provides broad-spectrum pathogen binding and synergistic effects. Mannan is also known as mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS).
Health Benefits & Safety Claims
It is recognized that insoluble yeast beta glucans: ·
- have immune-modulating effects against infectious diseases and cancer ·
- enhance antibiotic efficiency in infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. · b
- Beta-glucan from baker’s yeast has received GRAS approval (FDA 1997) and is regulated as a “novel food” in Europe (EFSA 2011/EC 2011)
Yeast beta glucan is also known as β-(1,3)(1,6)-beta-glucan, has been shown to have beneficial effects as a supplement. Among the β-glucans from microbial sources, those from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been found to be the most active.
It has been shown that mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS): ·
- Improves gastrointestinal health by preventing pathogens from binding to host cells
It benefits young animals that have a maturing intestinal tract and are in the process of establishing a mature microflora population.
It may also have benefits during periods of stress. Mannan oligosaccharides work well in conjunction with antibiotics.
Mannan oligosaccharides should be part of an approach that includes probiotics and antimicrobials that can provide multiple benefits to animal productivity.
Applications & Uses
Yeast Beta glucans may find application as: ·
- functional food ingredients in immune health products ·
- nutritional supplements ·
- food ingredient in baked goods, baking mixes, cereals and cereal mixes, beverages, fruit preparations and fruit juices, dairy products, plant protein products, soups and soup mixes.
Yeast MOS find application as:
- nutritional supplement for companion animals (pets) ·
- nutritional supplement for farm animals (pigs, poultry, calves, etc.)
- nutritional supplement in aquacultures (fish farming)
Hiyeast yeast cell wall product
Hiyeast is one of the leading manufacturers of yeast derivatives in China and pays particular focus on continuous research into improving the quality and functionality of animal nutrition.
All Hiyeast products are derived from the finest quality baker’s yeast culture, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our team pays particular focus on continuous research into improving the quality and functionality of its solutions.
In addition to providing beneficial beta-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides, and lipid fractions, Hiyeast products also contain a high level of protein. The yeast cell wall product, therefore, consists of a mix of (1,3)(1,6)-β-D-Glucans (>20%) and MOS (>20%). The two functional polysaccharides that make up the product have beneficial effects on animal health, also improve productivity, and are particularly useful in periods of high stress.
So, if you are looking for a high-quality yeast cell wall product, look no further than Hiyeast. Check out our website to learn more about our products and how we can help you improve your animals’ health.
