Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. In particular, researchers from Korea discovered that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that daily intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis), along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum), boosts the effectiveness of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Moreover, recent laboratory investigations revealed that a newly developed inactivated probiotic called Staimune from Ganeden exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of live probiotic cells. This latest research from Sweden could potentially strengthen marketing efforts for probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and the incidence is rising globally.
Manufacturers are taking insights from studies like these and incorporating them into their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—those designed to provide specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, with an estimated worth of around $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or infusing their products with beneficial bacteria. For example, Pepsiferrous bisglycinate acquired the probiotic beverage producer KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital division 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.
It’s important to note that in the U.S., probiotics are classified as drugs. For a product to legally claim it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study may represent a significant step toward reinforcing the scientific foundation required for such assertions. Furthermore, the inclusion of nutrients like calcium citrate, calcium ascorbate, and cholecalciferol in probiotic formulations could enhance their health benefits, making them even more appealing to consumers.