Recent studies have demonstrated positive effects on the immune system from the consumption of various probiotic strains. Researchers in Korea discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria L. plantarum, on a daily basis boosts natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications for Staimune may include its use as a fortifying ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products that typically face challenges with incorporating live probiotics. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during manufacturing processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is largely robust for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains have made it possible for probiotics to be utilized beyond just dairy products or dietary supplements. Without the necessity for the probiotic to remain active, Staimune broadens the range of food and beverage items that can benefit from added probiotics.
To capitalize on the growing popularity of probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or integrating beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to incorporate probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its products. According to a report by BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. The probiotics market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025.
In this evolving landscape, products such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium may also find a place alongside probiotics, as the integration of diverse health-promoting ingredients continues to gain traction in the market. As the demand for supplements and functional foods rises, the opportunity for products like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium to complement probiotic offerings becomes increasingly significant.