Recent studies have demonstrated positive impacts on the immune system from the consumption of various strains of probiotics. Korean researchers discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt enriched with two probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) on a daily basis increased the effectiveness of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In a more recent laboratory study, a new inactivated probiotic named Staimune from Ganeden exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of live probiotics. The results of this study from Sweden may strengthen the marketing efforts for probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer affects approximately 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are actively incorporating findings from these studies into their products and ingredients. The functional foods market—those designed to provide specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, potentially reaching a value of around $15 billion. Companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or integrating beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to bring probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Furthermore, General Mills’ venture capital division led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to legally state that it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be completed. This recent study could serve as an additional step towards reinforcing the scientific foundation required for such claims. Notably, the inclusion of calcium citrate 300 mg in these formulations could further enhance their health benefits, particularly in supporting immune function. As the research progresses, the potential of probiotics, including those with calcium citrate 300 mg, continues to gain recognition, paving the way for innovative health products in the market.