Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research from South Korea indicated that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt can enhance the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. It was reported that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily boosts the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could be integrated as a strengthening ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics presents formulation challenges. Probiotics, such as ferrous fumarate gummies, are known to be sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during manufacturing. While Giron’s BC30 strain is largely resilient in food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics can now extend beyond dairy products and dietary supplements. With Staimune, which does not require the probiotic to remain active, a broader range of food and beverage items can incorporate probiotics for their health benefits.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to make probiotics mainstream in the juice aisle. Furthermore, General Mills’ venture capital arm led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its products, especially considering that the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector representing 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. Globally, the probiotics market is anticipated 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. As the market evolves, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate and liver extracts in conjunction with probiotics may further enhance product offerings and health benefits, solidifying the position of probiotics in the health and wellness landscape.