Selected scientific references

Selected scientific references supporting the research areas discussed on this page. Evidence relates to the ingredient, dose and study model investigated; general yeast beta-glucan research should not be read as proof of an UpFiber® product effect.

1. Structure and immune mechanisms | Review
Volman JJ, Ramakers JD, Plat J. (2008). Dietary modulation of immune function by beta-glucans. Physiology & Behavior, 94(2), 276–284.
Background on beta-glucan structure and immune research across different sources and study models.

2. Immune health after exercise | Human study
Talbott S, Talbott J. (2009). Effect of BETA 1,3/1,6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 8(4), 509–515.
Studied a specific yeast beta-glucan preparation in marathon runners; findings are preparation-specific.

3. Immune markers and symptomatic days | Human studies
McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. (2013). Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan Supplementation Increases Salivary IgA and Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 10(3), 171–183.
Examined a selected baker's yeast beta-glucan preparation after exercise; not an UpFiber® clinical trial.

4. Immune health in adults | Human study
Dharsono T, Rudnicka K, Wilhelm M, Schoen C. (2019). Effects of Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-Beta-Glucan on Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(1), 40–50. Published online in 2018.
Reduced physical symptom severity during the first week of an episode; incidence and overall severity were not significantly changed.

5. Gut microbiota research | Human study with whole brewer's spent yeast
Horn PA et al. (2024). Brewer's spent yeast improves human gut microbiota and ameliorates clinical blood parameters: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre, 32, 100442.
Research context for yeast-derived ingredients. Whole spent yeast was studied, not purified UpFiber® Beta-Glucan.

6. Skin health research | Review
Feng X, Shang J, Wang Y, Chen Y, Liu Y. (2025). Exploring the Properties and Application Potential of β-Glucan in Skin Care. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(4), e70212.
Covers different beta-glucan sources and mainly topical applications. It does not establish oral beauty benefits for UpFiber® or UpFiber® CP.

7. UpFiber® and healthy aging | Preclinical case study
Nagi Bioscience. (June 2026). Evaluating the impact of a yeast-derived functional ingredient on longevity. Public case study.
UpFiber® Beta-Glucan evaluated in C. elegans, including motility, intestinal health parameters and predicted biological age. Findings are preclinical and do not demonstrate effects in humans.

For the full research context, explore our yeast beta-glucan deep dive.

This information is intended for business-to-business use only and serves to inform food and dietary supplement professionals about ingredient properties. Statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, FDA or any other regulatory authority.  Products containing UpFiber® Beta-Glucan are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.