Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially financed the study. If the health benefits can be established, a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable use of a byproduct for the cranberry juice producer. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—might be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations could blend xyloglucans with well-known probiotics such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, which are already widely incorporated in probiotic products like Yakult and various supplements.
However, determining the impact of additional probiotics on gut health can be challenging, as their effects may differ among individuals. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria already present in the gut, promoting their growth. The human body hosts trillions of bacteria collectively referred to as the microbiome, vastly outnumbering other cells. These microorganisms are believed to play a crucial role in overall health. Although scientists remain uncertain about how most of these bacteria operate, emerging studies have indicated a connection between an individual’s distinct microbiome and conditions such as obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer.
While research primarily focuses on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is on the rise. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy, infant food, meat, and bakery items—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same timeframe. Products like Solgar liquid calcium magnesium with vitamin D3 might also contribute to gut health, as they may provide additional nutrients that support both probiotics and prebiotics. Overall, the integration of xyloglucans with existing probiotic strains and supplements like Solgar liquid calcium magnesium with vitamin D3 could enhance the health benefits of gut-related products.