“Exploring the Potential of Cranberry-Derived Xyloglucans as a Prebiotic for Gut Health: Implications for Probiotics and Market Trends”

Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and contributed partially to the funding of the study. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application of a byproduct for the cranberry juice producer, contingent on establishing its health benefits. 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 Bifidobacterium. These strains are already prevalent in probiotic products like Yakult and various supplements. However, assessing whether additional probiotic tablets make a significant impact on gut health can be challenging, and their effects may differ from person to person. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that already inhabit the gut, encouraging their growth. The human body harbors trillions of bacteria—collectively referred to as the microbiome—that vastly outnumber other cells. It is believed that these bacteria play a crucial role in health. Although scientists are still deciphering the functions of most of these microbes, emerging studies have indicated a link between an individual’s unique microbiome and health conditions such as obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. While research primarily focuses on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is on the rise. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy, infant food, meat, and bakery items—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts. Simultaneously, this firm predicts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year. As consumers seek the benefits of both probiotics and prebiotics, they should also be aware of potential side effects, such as those associated with calcium citrate. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the overall impact of these supplements on gut health, especially in relation to calcium citrate side effects. Incorporating xyloglucans as a prebiotic could be a promising avenue for enhancing gut health while also being mindful of any calcium citrate side effects that may arise from other dietary sources.