Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Korean researchers discovered that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt, along with 18mg of iron sufficient to combat anemia, significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that regular intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, alongside heat-treated bacteria such as L. plantarum, can boost the function of natural killer cells, which play a critical role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune may serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics may be challenging. Probiotics are notoriously sensitive to extreme temperature and pressure conditions typical in manufacturing processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain generally exhibits resilience in food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains are expanding the potential for probiotics beyond just dairy products and supplements. By eliminating the need for probiotics to remain active, Staimune broadens the array of food and drink items to which probiotics can be added, ultimately promoting beneficial effects.
To capitalize on the growing trend of probiotics, manufacturers are increasingly acquiring probiotic companies or integrating these beneficial bacteria into a wide range of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage manufacturer KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, positioning it as the first brand to offer probiotics in the mainstream juice section. Additionally, a venture capital unit of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its products. According to a report from BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached sales of $34 billion in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. 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.
Furthermore, the increasing awareness of health benefits associated with probiotics has led to a rise in demand for calcium citrate supplements for women. These supplements, known for their role in improving calcium absorption, are being recognized alongside probiotics as essential for overall health. The integration of calcium citrate supplements for women with probiotics may offer a synergistic approach to enhancing immune function and promoting better health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of combining these beneficial elements in dietary choices.