Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers from Korea discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells among older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt enriched with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily contributes to an increase in natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections. Most recently, laboratory research revealed that a new 210mg inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, named Staimune, demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory benefits similar to those of live probiotic cells.
The results from this latest Swedish study may support marketing efforts for probiotic foods and beverages targeted at individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer impacts about 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally. Manufacturers are leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods sector—designed to provide specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, with an estimated market value of around $15 billion.
In addition, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking the first time probiotics have been integrated into mainstream juice offerings. Furthermore, the venture capital branch 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.
In the U.S., probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a laboratory to legally assert that a product is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study could serve as another step toward strengthening the scientific foundation necessary for such claims.
Additionally, the ongoing exploration of probiotics’ effects may parallel findings related to supplements, such as algae calcium vs calcium citrate, which also aim to enhance health outcomes. The intersection of these areas signifies a growing interest in how various nutritional components can work synergistically to support overall well-being. The emphasis on probiotics, along with the exploration of alternatives like algae calcium vs calcium citrate, reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking out functional foods that promote health benefits.