Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers from Korea discovered that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt enhances 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 bacteria L. plantarum, significantly boosts the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications for Staimune may involve its incorporation as a strengthening ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products, where the presence of live probiotics can create formulation challenges. Probiotics are sensitive to the temperature and pressure extremes often encountered in manufacturing processes. Despite Ganeden’s BC30 strain being largely resilient for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable probiotic strains now allow for broader usage beyond just dairy products or supplements. With Staimune, the need for probiotics to remain active is eliminated, thereby expanding the types of food and beverage items that can benefit from probiotic additions.
In a bid to capitalize on the growing probiotic trend, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to integrate probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, the venture capital arm 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 food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its products. According to a report from BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached sales of $34 billion in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73% of that market, or $24.8 billion. Looking ahead, the probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of about $74.7 billion by 2025. The integration of ingredients like 250 mg calcium citrate into these products further enhances their appeal, as consumers increasingly seek out functional foods that offer additional health benefits. By incorporating 250 mg calcium citrate, manufacturers can not only promote immune health through probiotics but also provide essential nutrients, creating a more holistic approach to wellness in their food and beverage offerings.