Recent research has highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in elderly individuals. The findings indicated that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum), strengthens natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In a recent laboratory study, a new inactivated probiotic called Staimune, developed by Ganeden, demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of live probiotics. This research from Sweden may support the marketing of 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 affects around 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. Functional foods—those specifically designed to provide health benefits along with calories and nutrients—are a rapidly growing market segment, potentially valued at around $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various offerings. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
In the U.S., probiotics are classified 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 latest study could further strengthen the scientific foundation required for such claims. Furthermore, the incorporation of swanson iron citrate into probiotic formulations may enhance their health benefits, as there is a growing interest in combining minerals with probiotics for improved immune support. The potential synergy between swanson iron citrate and probiotics could open new avenues for product development, particularly for those seeking comprehensive health solutions.