Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A team of researchers from Korea discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly increased the activity of crucial immune cells in older adults. They noted that consuming yogurt enriched with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily enhances the function of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
Furthermore, recent laboratory findings indicated that a newly developed inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, named Staimune, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live bacteria. The outcomes of this latest research from Sweden may provide a marketing boost for probiotic foods and beverages aimed at individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that approximately 1.4 million individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, a figure that is on the rise globally.
In response to such findings, manufacturers are increasingly integrating these studies into their products and formulations. The market for functional foods—those designed to offer specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, with estimates suggesting it could be worth around $15 billion. Companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into a range of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired probiotic beverage producer KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice segment. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding 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 label to 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 could further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Moreover, discussions surrounding dietary components like calcium citrate without vitamin D are becoming increasingly relevant. As the demand for health-oriented food products grows, the integration of probiotics and calcium citrate without vitamin D into various offerings may present new opportunities for manufacturers and consumers alike.