Ocean Spray provided purified xyloglucans and partially financed the study. If the health benefits can be established, a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application of a byproduct for the cranberry juice producer. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations could integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which are already commonly found in probiotic products like Yakult and various supplements, including Solaray calcium citrate.
However, it is challenging to determine whether additional probiotics positively influence gut health, as their effects can differ from person to person. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, promoting their growth. The human body houses trillions of bacteria—collectively known as the microbiome—which significantly outnumber other cells. It is believed that these microorganisms play a crucial role in overall health. While scientists remain uncertain about the function of many of these bacteria, emerging research has indicated a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, such as obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer.
While research primarily focuses on products aimed at enhancing gut health, the interest in prebiotics is growing. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy, infant food, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year. As the interest in gut health continues to expand, the inclusion of prebiotics like xyloglucans and the potential benefits of Solaray calcium citrate may play a significant role in future developments.