Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers from Korea discovered that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt containing two probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) alongside heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are crucial for defending against viral infections. Furthermore, recent laboratory research revealed that a new inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, known as Staimune, exhibited similar immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects as live probiotics.
These findings from Sweden could support marketing efforts for probiotic foods and beverages aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer affects around 1.4 million individuals each year and is on the rise globally. Manufacturers are leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients, particularly in the functional foods market, which aims to provide specific health benefits in addition to calories and nutrients, potentially valued at about $15 billion.
Additionally, companies are increasingly acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to offer probiotics in the mainstream juice aisle. Moreover, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product label to legally state that it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” it must undergo rigorous safety and clinical trials. This recent study could further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims, including the search for the best calcium citrate for bariatric patients, which is crucial for those seeking to improve their health post-surgery. The integration of probiotics into dietary supplements, particularly those designed for specific populations like bariatric patients, reflects the growing interest in functional foods and their health benefits.