Ocean Spray provided purified xyloglucans and partially funded the research. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable way for the cranberry juice producer to utilize a waste product, contingent on the identification of its health benefits. The role of this compound in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—might be particularly promising. Researchers have proposed that formulations could blend xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which are already prevalent in various probiotic products, including Yakult and numerous supplements. However, assessing the impact of additional probiotics on gut health is challenging, as their effects can differ from one individual to another. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that are known to inhabit the gut and support their growth.
Within the human body, there are trillions of bacteria collectively referred to as the microbiome, which significantly outnumber other cells. These microorganisms are believed to play a crucial role in overall health. While scientists are still uncovering the functions of many of these bacteria, emerging studies have suggested a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. Although the primary focus of gut health research remains on probiotics, interest in prebiotics is growing. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy, infant food, meat, and bakery items—is expected to propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts. In the meantime, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion that year.
Moreover, integrating products like bariatric chewable calcium citrate could enhance the efficacy of these prebiotic formulations, especially for individuals seeking improved gut health and overall well-being. As the market for gut health products expands, the inclusion of both probiotics and prebiotics, along with complementary supplements like bariatric chewable calcium citrate, may lead to innovative solutions for digestive health.