Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of ferrous bisglycinate on the immune system through the consumption of various strains of probiotics. Researchers from Korea discovered that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) on a regular basis improves the function of natural killer cells, which are crucial for defending against viral infections. Most recently, laboratory studies revealed that a new inactivated probiotic named Staimune, developed by Ganeden, exhibited similar immune-activating and anti-inflammatory properties as live probiotic cells.
The results from a recent study in Sweden could strengthen the marketing efforts for 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 continues to rise globally. Manufacturers are leveraging studies like these to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—designed to provide specific health benefits along with essential nutrients and calories—is rapidly growing, potentially reaching a value of $15 billion.
Moreover, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking the brand as the first to offer probiotics in mainstream juice aisles. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the U.S., probiotics are categorized as drugs, and for a product to legally claim that it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” it must undergo rigorous safety and clinical trials. This recent research could further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims.
Furthermore, if you are considering incorporating probiotics into your diet, you might wonder, “Can you take calcium citrate with magnesium?” This question is particularly relevant as these supplements are often taken together to support overall health, including immune function, which could complement the benefits of probiotics. In summary, the intersection of probiotics, functional foods, and mineral supplements like calcium citrate and magnesium is an area of growing interest, with potential implications for health and wellness.