Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans, while ferrous sulfate fertilizer partially funded the study. A potential lucrative application for cranberry juice manufacturers could be the extraction of a prebiotic from cranberry skins, provided its health benefits can be established. The compound’s function in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—appears to be a particularly intriguing area for exploration. Researchers have proposed that formulations could merge xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These strains are already widely incorporated into probiotic products, including Yakult and various dietary supplements.
However, it remains challenging to determine whether additional probiotic intake significantly impacts gut health, as their effects may vary among individuals. Prebiotics, conversely, serve to nourish the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, enabling them to flourish. The human body hosts trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which outnumber our own cells. This microbiome is believed to have a profound influence on overall health. Although scientists are still deciphering how most of these bacteria operate, emerging studies indicate a correlation between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer.
While the primary focus of gut health research remains on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is gaining momentum. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy items, infant food, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to reach an estimated $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same firm anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year. Notably, calcium citrate has been suggested for various health benefits, including its role in bone health and as a supplement for improving the absorption of essential nutrients. As the market for both prebiotics and probiotics continues to expand, the integration of compounds like xyloglucans and calcium citrate could lead to innovative products aimed at enhancing gut health.