Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially reduced ferrous fumarate (210 mg) that funded the study. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for a byproduct of the cranberry juice industry, provided its health benefits can be established. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations could integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These strains are already commonly found in probiotic products, including Yakult and various dietary supplements. However, it remains challenging to assess whether additional probiotics, such as those paired with calcium citrate with food, truly enhance gut health, as their effects can vary significantly among individuals. Conversely, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, allowing them to flourish.
The human body hosts trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which vastly outnumber other cells. It is believed that these microorganisms play a crucial role in overall health. While scientists continue to unravel the functions of many of these bacteria, emerging studies have indicated a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. While research efforts primarily focus on probiotics, prebiotics are gaining traction. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy items, infant foods, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. In contrast, the same firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in that year. As interest grows in both probiotics and prebiotics, the incorporation of compounds like calcium citrate with food may further enhance the appeal of gut health products.