Recent research has highlighted the positive impacts 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 crucial immune cells among elderly individuals. They noted that regular consumption of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria, L. plantarum, effectively boosts natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
In more recent laboratory studies, a new inactivated probiotic developed by Ganeden, named Staimune, demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live probiotic cells. These findings from Sweden may provide a marketing advantage for 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 impacts around 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods sector, which encompasses items designed to deliver specific health benefits alongside essential nutrients and calories, represents a burgeoning market estimated at $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various offerings. For instance, PepsiCo purchased probiotic beverage brand KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking its entry into the mainstream juice aisle with probiotics. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital division led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented foods and beverages.
In the United States, 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,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study may serve to strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium citrate in liquid form is gaining attention as a potential enhancement in probiotic products, offering an additional health benefit. As the industry evolves, the integration of calcium citrate in liquid form alongside probiotics could emerge as a key trend, reinforcing the immune-boosting properties of these products and expanding their appeal in the health food market.