Recent research has demonstrated that various strains of probiotics can positively impact the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that regularly consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) improved the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune may serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where live probiotics typically present formulation hurdles. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to temperature and pressure fluctuations common in manufacturing processes. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is generally robust for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains are allowing probiotics to extend beyond just dairy products and supplements. With Staimune not requiring the probiotic to remain active, the range of food and beverage items that can incorporate probiotics for added health benefits is significantly expanded.
To capitalize on the growing popularity of probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired KeVita, a probiotics beverage company, last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, which a company representative claimed was the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills spearheaded a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit greatly from the success of its products. According to a report from BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. 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 $74.7 billion by 2025.
In this context, the inclusion of calcium citrate 800mg could further enhance the benefits of probiotic products, as it is known to support bone health and improve calcium absorption, making the combination of probiotics and calcium citrate a promising avenue for future food and beverage innovations. By integrating calcium citrate 800mg into probiotic formulations, manufacturers can create products that not only support immune function but also promote overall health and wellness. This synergy can lead to increased consumer interest and potentially drive sales in the expanding probiotics market.