Recent research has increasingly highlighted 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 essential immune cells in older adults. They noted that yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains—L. paracasei and B. lactis—combined with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) can amplify the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications of Staimune iron II lactate hydrate could involve its use as a fortifying ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products, where incorporating live probiotics may present formulation challenges. Probiotics are typically sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain has proven resilient for food and beverage applications, advances in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics are no longer confined to dairy products or supplement aisles. The introduction of Staimune allows for the incorporation of probiotics into a wider range of food and beverage items without needing the probiotic to remain active, thereby enhancing their beneficial effects.
In response to the growing probiotics trend, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic firms or infusing various products with these healthful bacteria. For instance, PepsiCo recently purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics to the mainstream juice market. Additionally, a unit of General Mills participated in a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit significantly from the success of its products, especially as the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, according to BCC Research. The food and beverage industry represented a substantial portion of this market, accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the probiotics market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a valuation of around $74.7 billion by 2025.
As the industry evolves, the integration of probiotics may be enhanced by innovations related to calcium citrate elemental conversion, which could improve nutrient absorption and the overall effectiveness of probiotic formulations. This development could further increase the presence of probiotics in diverse products, reinforcing their health benefits while also making them more accessible to consumers. The ongoing advancements in probiotic research and product development continue to open new avenues for incorporating these beneficial bacteria into everyday diets.