Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers in Korea discovered that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily increased the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In a more recent laboratory study, a new inactivated probiotic called Staimune, developed by Ganeden, exhibited immune-activating and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of live probiotics. The findings from this Swedish study could support the marketing of probiotic foods and beverages targeted at individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer affects approximately 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
In response to such findings, manufacturers are integrating research into their products. The market for functional foods—those designed to provide specific health benefits in addition to calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, with an estimated worth of around $15 billion. Companies are increasingly acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into their offerings. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital arm led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
In the U.S., probiotics are classified as drugs, and for products to legally claim they are “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” strict safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This latest study may further strengthen the scientific foundation needed for such claims. Notably, products like Amazon Citracal Maximum Plus, which support overall health, can benefit from this growing body of research as they align with the increasing consumer interest in probiotics and their immune-boosting properties. As the demand for such products rises, the inclusion of effective probiotics could become a key selling point in the market.