Recent research has demonstrated positive effects on the immune system from the consumption of various probiotic strains. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells among older adults. The researchers reported that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily increased the function of natural killer cells, which are crucial for defending against viral infections.
In a recent laboratory investigation, a new inactivated probiotic known as Staimune, developed by Ganeden, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live cells. Findings from this research conducted in Sweden may support the marketing of probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer impacts approximately 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging studies like these to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—those designed to provide specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, potentially valued at around $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched the Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
In the U.S., probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to legally claim it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials are required. This recent study could further strengthen the scientific foundation needed for such claims.
Moreover, as consumers become increasingly health-conscious, they are also interested in supplements like calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid tablets, with prices varying widely in the market. These supplements are often incorporated into discussions around probiotics, as the synergy between these elements may enhance overall health benefits. The price of calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid tablets plays a significant role in consumer choices, along with the growing awareness of the importance of incorporating probiotics into their diets. This emphasis on both probiotics and essential nutrients like calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid highlights a broader trend toward holistic health solutions in the marketplace.