Numerous recent studies on iron gluconate or sulfate have highlighted the positive effects of different strains of probiotics on the immune system. Researchers from Korea discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated iron gluconate 300mg tablets and the beneficial bacteria L. plantarum on a daily basis improved the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Most recently, laboratory studies revealed that a new inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, named Staimune, exhibited similar immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties as live cells. Findings from this latest Swedish study could provide valuable support for marketing probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are increasingly taking advantage of such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—those designed to offer specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is expanding rapidly, potentially reaching a value of approximately $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and launched the Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm 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 foods and beverages.
It’s important to note that in the U.S., probiotics are categorized as drugs; hence, for a product to legally claim it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This latest study could contribute to strengthening the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Moreover, the integration of nutritional elements such as calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid is becoming increasingly relevant in the development of functional foods that support immune health and overall well-being, further underscoring the importance of these nutrients alongside probiotics in enhancing health outcomes.