Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that regularly eating yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) improved the effectiveness of natural killer cells, which are crucial for defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune may serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where live probiotics might complicate formulation. Probiotics are typically sensitive to the temperature and pressure conditions prevalent in manufacturing processes. However, while Ganeden’s BC30 strain is quite resilient for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics can now be incorporated beyond just dairy products or supplement aisles. With the ability to function without needing to remain active, Staimune expands the range of food and beverage items that can include probiotics for their health benefits.
To capitalize on the growing probiotics trend, many manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotics beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking a significant step in making probiotics accessible in the mainstream juice market. 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 focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain considerably from the success of its products, especially given that the global probiotics market hit $34 billion in sales in 2015, according to BCC Research. Notably, the food and beverage sector accounted for 73% of this market, equating to $24.8 billion. Furthermore, the probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025.
As part of this trend, products like Citracal Plus Magnesium and Minerals are increasingly being recognized for their role in enhancing overall health, further integrating the benefits of probiotics into everyday dietary choices. This integration of Citracal Plus Magnesium and Minerals with probiotics not only supports the immune system but also meets the growing consumer demand for functional food and beverages. Thus, the synergy between probiotics and products like Citracal Plus Magnesium and Minerals could redefine health and wellness in the food industry, making it an exciting area for future innovation.