Intake of 'Bread Yeast-Derived Yeast Cell Wall' Increases Satiety and Promotes GLP-1 Secretion
Asahi Group Foods confirmed through human clinical trials that yeast cell walls derived from bread yeast enhance satiety and promote the secretion of the hormone GLP-1, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and overeating.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 23:00
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Asahi Group Foods, Ltd. (President: Hiroshi Kawahara; Headquarters: Tokyo) has confirmed that the intake of 'bread yeast-derived yeast cell walls' (hereinafter referred to as yeast cell walls) increases satiety in humans and promotes the secretion of the gastrointestinal hormone 'Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).'
This research was presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Food Science and Technology held in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, from August 27 to 29, 2025. Satiety is a critical sensation for regulating food intake, involving various physiological mechanisms. This study confirmed that yeast cell wall intake stimulates the secretion of GLP-1, a key factor in feeling full. Proper control of satiety is believed to prevent overeating and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. The company plans to further elucidate the detailed mechanisms and continue researching the health benefits of yeast-derived components in humans.
### Research Background
Asahi Group is conducting various functional studies to effectively utilize yeast cell walls, a byproduct obtained during the yeast extract manufacturing process. Yeast cell walls are known to contain proteins and dietary fibers such as glucans and mannans. Previous reports (Ref. 1) indicated that consuming barley-derived β-glucan sustains satiety and increases GLP-1 levels post-ingestion. Based on this, the study evaluated the effects of yeast cell walls containing β-glucan on satiety enhancement and GLP-1 secretion.
### Research Method
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial was conducted with 12 healthy Japanese adult men and women. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) those consuming a control beverage without yeast cell walls (placebo group), and (2) those consuming a beverage containing yeast cell walls (YCW group). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) surveys regarding satiety, satisfaction, hunger, appetite, energy, and mood, as well as blood GLP-1 concentration measurements, were conducted from immediately after intake up to 4 hours post-intake.
### Research Results
**VAS Survey Results:** The YCW group showed significantly increased satiety between 30 and 60 minutes after intake compared to the placebo group.
**Blood GLP-1 Measurements:** The YCW group showed an upward trend from 60 minutes post-intake and a significant increase in GLP-1 secretion between 90 and 240 minutes. Furthermore, the Incremental Area Under the Curve (iAUC) for total GLP-1 secretion was significantly higher in the YCW group compared to the placebo group.
### Future Outlook
This human trial demonstrated that yeast cell wall intake enhances satiety and promotes GLP-1 secretion. While this study focused on single-dose intake, future research will aim to clarify the metabolic and physiological mechanisms during long-term intake.
This research was presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Food Science and Technology held in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, from August 27 to 29, 2025. Satiety is a critical sensation for regulating food intake, involving various physiological mechanisms. This study confirmed that yeast cell wall intake stimulates the secretion of GLP-1, a key factor in feeling full. Proper control of satiety is believed to prevent overeating and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. The company plans to further elucidate the detailed mechanisms and continue researching the health benefits of yeast-derived components in humans.
### Research Background
Asahi Group is conducting various functional studies to effectively utilize yeast cell walls, a byproduct obtained during the yeast extract manufacturing process. Yeast cell walls are known to contain proteins and dietary fibers such as glucans and mannans. Previous reports (Ref. 1) indicated that consuming barley-derived β-glucan sustains satiety and increases GLP-1 levels post-ingestion. Based on this, the study evaluated the effects of yeast cell walls containing β-glucan on satiety enhancement and GLP-1 secretion.
### Research Method
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial was conducted with 12 healthy Japanese adult men and women. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) those consuming a control beverage without yeast cell walls (placebo group), and (2) those consuming a beverage containing yeast cell walls (YCW group). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) surveys regarding satiety, satisfaction, hunger, appetite, energy, and mood, as well as blood GLP-1 concentration measurements, were conducted from immediately after intake up to 4 hours post-intake.
### Research Results
**VAS Survey Results:** The YCW group showed significantly increased satiety between 30 and 60 minutes after intake compared to the placebo group.
**Blood GLP-1 Measurements:** The YCW group showed an upward trend from 60 minutes post-intake and a significant increase in GLP-1 secretion between 90 and 240 minutes. Furthermore, the Incremental Area Under the Curve (iAUC) for total GLP-1 secretion was significantly higher in the YCW group compared to the placebo group.
### Future Outlook
This human trial demonstrated that yeast cell wall intake enhances satiety and promotes GLP-1 secretion. While this study focused on single-dose intake, future research will aim to clarify the metabolic and physiological mechanisms during long-term intake.