New Research Shows Molecular Structure Key to Immune Health Benefits of Precision Prebiotic Benicaros®

A recent study provides new insights into how the unique molecular structure and cell surface patterns of Benicaros®, a natural pectin polysaccharide fiber, contribute to enhancing immune system responses. The findings, published in the current issue of Carbohydrate Polymers, further validate the effectiveness of Benicaros as an immune-support ingredient.

The study primarily focuses on the immunological effects of Benicaros, a carrot rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) with a complex mixture of molecules with varying sizes. Researchers analyzed how different size-separated fractions of cRG-I—each varying in molecular weight, surface patterns (epitopes), and the degree of esterification—impact immune cell activity. Esterification is a chemical process where ester groups, such as acetyl groups, are added to cRG-I during its fermentation in the gut.

“This study represents an important contribution to the scientific field by showing how subtle differences in the molecular size and molecular structure of cRG-I polysaccharides in Benicaros impact its biological activity,” said Henk Schols, Ph.D., who led the study and is a Personal Professor Food Carbohydrate Biochemistry at Wageningen University, Netherlands. “This is the first study to highlight the importance of acetyl groups in the structure-dependent immunomodulation by cRG-I. We hypothesize that both epitope interactions and conformational interactions together dictate the specific bioactivity of Benicaros.”

Study highlights include:

• Molecular Structure Matters. The study shows that immunomodulatory effects of cRG-I are largely determined by its molecular weight, the length and type of side chains. The presence of acetyl (and methyl) ester groups also influences how cRG-I interacts with immune cells.
• Structure Influences Immune Response. cRG-I was found to dose-dependently stimulate the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. The production of these immune signaling molecules varied according to the structure of the cRG-I fractions.
• Dual Role in Immunity. cRG-I immune modulation could potentially impact immune responses via anti- or pro-inflammatory pathways, as well as via the production of antibodies that are an essential part of the body’s natural defenses.
• Benicaros is a Precision Prebiotic. The paper highlights that cRG-I has a very complex molecular structure, with more than 17 different saccharide linkages. These linkages and side chains also contribute to its ability to promote a healthy gut microbiota.

Previous clinical research demonstrated that Benicaros accelerated protective immune responses in subjects who were challenged with a common cold virus. In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study of 146 healthy human subjects, Benicaros significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms, while helping maintain quality of life.

In addition to immune health benefits, the complex structure of Benicaros also enables targeted and consistent increases in beneficial gut bacteria, resulting in a stronger and resilient gut microbiome. Benicaros is extracted from carrot pomace—an upcycled side stream from carrot juice production.