Dietary Supplements
The market of dietary supplements in Poland is on the increase, and sales growth over the past years amounted to approx. 30%.
The increase in health awareness, interest in healthy lifestyles, healthy appearance, the desire to self-medicate and mostly the increased life expectancy positively influence sales. It can be assumed that the development of the market for dietary supplements in Poland will be similar to the trends observed in Western Europe. According to market analysts, the main category that is expecting the dynamic growth are supplements that improve heart and circulatory system.
Sales of healthy food in Poland are growing faster than in the West, as we are moving into our market which already features dietary habits established there. The awareness of Polish consumers is growing very fast; reading and checking the labels and reviewing the composition of products are becoming increasingly common for a larger group of customers. New approaches to combining ingredients which promote health benefits allow for creating a wider range of products.
The main target group of beta-glucan supplements are those with hypertension, those wishing to lower cholesterol as well as obese people.
Food Industry
From a technological point of view, beta-glucan may be useful as an alternative thickening agent for food. Its properties also allow the preparation of soups and beverages, bestowed with the physiological benefits of beta-glucan.
It is also believed that beta-glucan may play a role in improving the crumb structure of bread, by stabilizing the air bubbles in the dough and preventing their connection with each other. The addition of beta-glucan of high molecular weight contributed to the increase of the loaf size. Beta-glucan of high molecular weight can also be used to stabilize oil-in-water, primarily by an increase in viscosity, while the beta-glucan of low molecular weight has an effect on the stability of the emulsion. It has been found that the addition of the gel based form of beta-glucan (purity 76,2%) to breakfast sausages (with a reduced fat content) in an amount of 0,3-0,7% in weight, gave an effect of greater water binding, whereas the additive of barley in an amount of 0,3% in weight, did not have any effect upon the texture, aroma or taste of sausages.
Molecular weight of beta-glucan does not only affect the viscosity of the food, but it also affects the density of the products.
It was also proposed to use beta-glucan as a biodegradable, edible food packaging material.
Beta-glucan produced by our technology is suited for use as a component of cosmetic products. Anti-wrinkle effect and particularly the ability to penetrate the skin deeply, makes it ideal for use on skin, hair and body.
It has rejuvenating and anti-aging effects because it activates the fibroblasts present in the skin, which stimulate the production of collagen, giving a long-lasting effect in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
It provides the skin with optimal hydration by forming on its surface of a thin layer of protection which reduces water loss.
It regenerates dry skin, soothes irritations, promotes healing, stimulates the activity of immune cells – macrophages – increasing resistance.
It tightens the skin and makes it more elastic and smooth. It is a natural aid in preventing the damage caused by harmful UV rays.
It absorbs well into the skin, by penetrating even the deepest layers of the skin, it facilitates the optimum effects of other active ingredients contained in cosmetics.
Beta-glucan from oats stimulates health by increasing the natural resilience and regenerative funtions of the body.
Domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, martens, ferrets and others, are as susceptible to the evolution of disease and illness as their masters. Therefore, the use of beta-glucan 1,3 / 1,4 in their diet will help maintain proper body weight and also prevent heart and circulatory diseases. Most often, our pets are overfed and have too little excercise which makes them obese. Supplemeting their diets with the appropriate amounts of beta-glucan 1,3 / 1,4 will have a marked positive improvement on the health and overall wellbeing of our pets.
Prebiotics such as beta-glucans have the potential for use in improving the immunity of animals to a number of common illnesses and diseases, particularly those which most commonly occur, including viral infections.It is worth noting that the final results of the use of prebiotics do not differ from those previously obtained from using antibiotic growth promoters, but they are achieved in a more natural way, and therefore do not pose a risk to animal health or that of the humans who tend to them.Beta-glucan 1,3 / 1,4 from oats can therefore be used as prebiotics in large scale farms of cattle, pigs, lamb and poultry.It will be necessary, however, to conduct research supporting improved efficacy of beta-glucan from oats in compound feed.
