Recent research has highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Korean researchers discovered that older adults who consumed probiotic yogurt daily experienced enhanced activity of crucial immune cells. They noted that yogurt containing iron pyrophosphate liposomal strains, such as L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria like L. plantarum, significantly boosts the activity of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
In a recent laboratory study, a new inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, named Staimune, demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live probiotics. Findings from this Swedish study could support marketing strategies for probiotic foods and beverages aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and this number is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods sector, designed to provide specific health benefits in addition to calories and nutrients, is rapidly growing, potentially reaching an estimated $15 billion market size. Companies are increasingly acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into their offerings. For example, PepsiCo acquired the probiotics beverage company 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, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March for Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to legally claim that 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 further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for the best calcium citrate supplement is also on the rise, highlighting the importance of probiotics and other health supplements in maintaining overall wellness. This trend is likely to continue as more people seek products that support their immune health and general well-being.