Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research from Korea indicated that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of crucial immune cells in elderly individuals. The study found that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria L. plantarum on a ferrous fumarate 210mg basis, boosts the efficacy of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics may be challenging. Probiotics are generally sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures that occur during manufacturing processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is particularly resilient for use in food and beverage applications, innovations in temperature-stable strains have broadened the possibilities for probiotics beyond traditional dairy products and supplements. As Staimune does not require active probiotics, it expands the range of food and beverage items that can benefit from probiotic inclusion.
In response to the growing interest in probiotics, many manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating beneficial bacteria into their products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage brand KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking its entry into the mainstream juice market with probiotics. Similarly, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit significantly from the success of its products. According to BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73% of that figure, or $24.8 billion. This market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025.
As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of ingredients like pure encapsulations calcium magnesium may play a key role in enhancing the health benefits associated with probiotics. This trend underscores the increasing importance of probiotics in various applications, reflecting a broader shift towards health-conscious consumer choices.