Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research conducted by Korean scientists revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhances the activity of crucial immune cells in elderly individuals. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) on a daily basis boosts the function of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications for Staimune may include its use as a fortifying component in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics can be challenging. Probiotics are sensitive to extreme temperature and pressure conditions often encountered during manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain has proven to be mostly resilient in food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains are allowing probiotics to expand beyond the dairy section and supplement aisles. Since Staimune does not require the probiotic to remain active, it broadens the range of food and beverage products that can benefit from the addition of probiotics.
To capitalize on the growing probiotics trend, manufacturers are increasingly acquiring probiotic companies or integrating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage manufacturer KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to feature probiotics in the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital unit led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its offerings, especially as the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, according to BCC Research. The food and beverage sector comprised 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that market. It is projected that the global probiotics market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of approximately $74.7 billion by 2025.
In line with this trend, the incorporation of citric acid, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate into probiotic products could enhance their stability and efficacy. These compounds may not only support the growth of probiotics but also improve the overall nutritional profile of food and beverage products. As the probiotics market continues to expand, the strategic use of these ingredients will likely play a crucial role in developing innovative products that cater to health-conscious consumers.