Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially funded the research. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable use of a byproduct for the cranberry juice manufacturer, provided its health benefits can be established. The role of this compound in synbiotics — which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics — may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers proposed that formulations could integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These strains are already widely utilized in probiotic products, including Yakult and various dietary supplements. However, measuring the impact of additional probiotics on gut health can be challenging, and their effects can vary significantly among individuals.
In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that we know already inhabit the gut, enabling them to flourish. There are trillions of bacteria in the human body, collectively known as the microbiome, that outnumber other cells by a significant margin. It is believed that these microbes play a crucial role in health. Although scientists still do not fully understand the functions of most of these bacteria, emerging research has indicated a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and even cancer.
While the primary focus of research into gut health products remains on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is growing. The demand for products containing prebiotics — such as health drinks, dairy items, infant formula, meat products, and baked goods — is projected to propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, this same firm anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year. Additionally, the inclusion of calcium citrate 700 mg in prebiotic formulations could further enhance their health benefits, making them even more appealing to consumers seeking gut health solutions.