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. 2021 Apr 17;13(4):1333. doi: 10.3390/nu13041333

Table 2.

Claims regarding fungal beta-glucan applications related to the immune system.

Claim Type Nutrient, Substance, Food or Food Category Claim Non-Authorization/Discontinuation Based on Criteria Health Relationship EFSA Opinion/Journal Reference Entry ID
Art. 13(1) Beta-glucan (WGP) For immunity. Strengthens immunity. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune system 2011;9(6):2228 1792
Art. 13(1) Beta-glucan + olive leaf extract Supports the body’s own defense mechanism/immunity. Maintains natural defense mechanism/immunity. Helps strengthen natural immunity. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune function/immune system 2011;9(4):2061 1793
Art. 13(1) Beta-glucan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Beta-glucan from yeast as immunomodulators. Beta-glucan from yeast support of natural defenses. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune system 2011;9(6):2228 847
Art. 13(1) Beta-glucan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Beta-glucan from yeast as immunomodulators. Beta-glucan from yeast support of natural defenses. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Increasing nonspecific serum IgA secretion 2011;9(6):2228 1944
Art. 13(1) WGP beta-glucan; (WGP® (1,3)-b-d-glucan); (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) WGP beta-glucan contributes to the normal function to the immune system. WGP beta-glucan naturally contributes to adequate immune responses. The daily dietary supplementation with WGP beta-glucan promotes the normal function of the immune system. WGP beta-glucan enhances the production and activity of macrophages and neutrophils. Thus, it plays an important role in the adequate function of the immune system. WGP beta-glucan contributes to maintain the normal function of the upper respiratory tract. (3) Rejected on the basis of an unproven cause and effect relationship: no evidence (yet) for a relationship between intake and effect. Maintenance of the upper respiratory tract defense against pathogens by maintaining immune defenses. 2011;9(6):2248 1910
Art. 13(5) Yestimun® Daily administration of Yestimun® helps to maintain the body’s defense against pathogens. (3) Rejected on the basis of an unproven cause and effect relationship: no evidence (yet) for a relationship between intake and effect. N/A Q-2012-00761Commission Regulation (EU) No 1154/2014 of 29/10/2014 N/A
Art. 13(5) Yestimun®, consisting of (1,3)-(1,6)-β-d-glucans of brewer’s yeast cell wall (100% Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Daily administration of Yestimun® strengthens the body’s defense during the cold season. (3) Rejected on the basis of an unproven cause and effect relationship: no evidence (yet) for a relationship between intake and effect. N/A Q-2008-667Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2011 of 04/05/2011 N/A
Art. 13(1) Lentinula edodes (common name: Shiitake) Contributes to natural immunological defenses. (3) Rejected on the basis of an unproven cause and effect relationship: no evidence (yet) for a relationship between intake and effect. Immune function/immune system 2011;9(4):2061 3774
Art. 13(1) Lentinula edodes (common name: shiitake) Contributes to natural immunological defenses. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Stimulation of immunological responses 2011;9(4):2061 2075
Art. 13(1) Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) Contributes to natural immunological defenses. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune function/immune system 2011;9(4):2061 3521
Art. 13(1) Brewer’s yeast Strengthens immunity (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune function/immune system 2010;8(10):1799 1384
Art. 13(5) Immune balance drink, containing vitamin C, green tea, grape skin, grape seed, and shiitake mushroom extract The immune balance drink activates body’s defense. (3) Rejected on the basis of an unproven cause and effect relationship: no evidence (yet) for a relationship between intake and effect. N/A Q-2009-517Commission Regulation (EU) No 958/2010 of 22/10/2010 N/A
Art. 13(1) Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) Activates immune system, exert potential effects on the immune system—stimulating immunity. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Stimulation of immunological responses 2011;9(4):2061 3139
Art. 13(1) Herbal yeast plasmolysate (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Strengthens the body’s defense system. Increases immunity. (2) Rejected on the basis of an unclear health relationship or no clear association with health. Immune function/immune system 2011;9(4):2061 1817