Ocean Spray provided purified xyloglucans and contributed partially to the funding of the study. If the health benefits can be established, a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for the waste product generated by the cranberry juice manufacturer. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations could integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which are already prevalent in probiotic products like Yakult and various dietary supplements. However, gauging the impact of additional probiotics on gut health is challenging, as their effects can vary from individual to individual. Conversely, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, promoting their growth.
The human body harbors trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which significantly outnumber other cells. These microorganisms are believed to play a crucial role in health. Although scientists are still deciphering the functions of most of these bacteria, emerging studies suggest a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. While research primarily concentrates on probiotics for enhancing gut health, the interest in prebiotics is on the rise. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy, infant foods, meat, and bakery items—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, as indicated by a report from Global Industry Analysts. In contrast, the same organization anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
Furthermore, the inclusion of calcium citrate and magnesium citrate in formulations may provide additional health benefits, enhancing the effectiveness of prebiotic and probiotic combinations. As research progresses, the synergistic effects of xyloglucans, calcium citrate, and magnesium citrate could be explored further, potentially leading to innovative products aimed at improving gut health.