Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of crucial immune cells in older adults. They noted that regularly eating yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) improved the function of natural killer cells, which play an essential role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where the inclusion of live probiotics might be challenging due to manufacturing conditions. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to extreme temperature and pressure, which are often encountered during production processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain shows resilience in food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics are no longer limited to dairy products or supplements. With the necessity for probiotics to remain active eliminated, Staimune expands the range of food and beverage items that can incorporate probiotics for their health benefits.
To capitalize on the growing popularity of probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or adding these beneficial bacteria to various products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, positioning itself as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from its successful product lines. According to a report from BCC Research, 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 market. Furthermore, the probiotics market is projected 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 consumers become increasingly aware of the health benefits of probiotics, questions like “how much calcium in calcium citrate” may also arise, highlighting the growing interest in nutritional content alongside probiotic consumption.