Kemin, Valensa team up for marketing of algal beta-glucans for immune support

25-Sep-2017 - Last updated on 06-Oct-2017 at 23:02 GMT

Valensa International has signed a supply and marketing deal with Kemin in the US for its line of immune-supporting beta-glucans sourced from a proprietary strain of algae.

Valensa, headquartered at Eustis, Florida (and is an affiliate of Parry Nutraceuticals in India), first started developing the ingredient several years ago. It was developed in partnership with US company Algal Scientific, the company which initiated the research. The ingredient line has been rebranded as BetaVia™ (the original name was PureAlgal™), and it is offered in two forms: BetaVia Complete (whole cell Euglena gracilis) and BetaVia Pure (Paramylon/Linear beta-1,3-glucan). The pro-immunity ingredients will be offered as stand-alone ingredients and as part of Valensa's proprietary synergistic combinations. The algae is an heterotrophic species, grown with a proprietary/patented fermentation process.

The formal debut of the rebranded ingredient will be at SupplySide West trade show this week in Las Vegas, NV.

“Kemin’s expansion into immune health highlights our continued initiative to become the supplier of choice for science-backed, high-quality dietary ingredients across platforms,” said Anita Norian, president of Kemin Human Nutrition and Health. “Partnering with Valensa, a leader in the microalgae space, will help propel this ingredient forward in the U.S. market.”

Proprietary algae strain

The BetaVia product line offers a new, patented standard in immune support using Euglena gracilis microalgae. BetaVia ingredients are naturally-sourced, GMO- and gluten-free for functional applications. Both in vitro and animal studies show that algae-sourced BetaVia ingredients can prime key immune cells to strengthen the body’s immune defenses.

“Valensa and its affiliate Parry Nutraceuticals are market leaders in microalgae-based supplements with well-established ingredient brands in over 30 countries,” said Umasudhan C.P., CEO of Valensa. “The relationship with Kemin allows us to introduce novel immunity supplement formulations made stronger by BetaVia, to our omni-channel customer base in the U.S. and internationally.”

Valensa will continue to offer the ingredient to dietary supplement customers under the agreement. Kemin will market the ingredient to its functional food and beverage clients.

BetaVia ingredients will enhance Valensa’s patent-protected and clinically-supported Immunum dietary supplements, which are available in bulk powder blends. Valensa’s patented BetaVia formulations for consumers include: Immunum Pro, containing BetaVia and proprietary spirulina extract for dual-action adaptive and innate immunity; Travel Armor, containing BetaVia with fast-acting antioxidant protection for the frequent traveler; and Immunum Active, which delivers BetaVia with Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin for recovery, stress support and year-round, balanced immune support.