Recent research has revealed the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach. A study conducted by Korean researchers demonstrated that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in elderly individuals. The findings indicated that regularly consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) alongside heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) increased the functionality of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where the inclusion of live probiotics might present formulation challenges. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to the temperature and pressure extremes often encountered during manufacturing processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is generally robust for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics are no longer limited to dairy products or the supplements aisle. By eliminating the necessity for probiotics to remain active, Staimune expands the range of food and beverage items that can include probiotics for enhanced benefits.
In response to the growing interest in probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics to the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm 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.
Ganeden, based in Ohio, stands to gain significantly from the success of its products, especially as the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, according to a report from BCC Research. The food and beverage sector represented 73% of this market, totaling $24.8 billion. Projections indicate that the probiotics market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, aiming to reach around $74.7 billion by 2025.
In this 21st century, the incorporation of probiotics alongside nutrients such as calcium citrate with vitamin D can provide additional health benefits. As the demand for health-enhancing products continues to rise, the synergy between probiotics and other beneficial compounds like calcium citrate with vitamin D will likely play a significant role in the development of innovative health products. This trend highlights the importance of combining probiotics with essential vitamins and minerals to maximize health advantages in a competitive market.