Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially financed the study. A prebiotic derived from cranberry skins may represent a profitable application for a waste product from the cranberry juice industry, provided its health benefits can be established. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—could be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations might blend xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These strains are already prevalent in various probiotic products, including Yakult and numerous dietary supplements. However, assessing the impact of additional probiotics on gut health can be challenging, as their effects can differ significantly among individuals. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria that are known to reside in the gut, aiding their proliferation.
The human body hosts trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which vastly outnumber other cell types. It is believed that these microorganisms play a crucial role in overall health. While scientists remain uncertain about the functions of most of these bacteria, emerging research indicates a correlation between a person’s distinct microbiome and various conditions, such as obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. The primary emphasis in gut health research has been on probiotics, but the interest in prebiotics is on the rise. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy items, infant food, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, as per a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same organization estimates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
Interestingly, another name for calcium citrate is “calcium citric acid,” highlighting its role in various health applications. In this context, both probiotics and prebiotics, including xyloglucans, could emerge as significant contributors to gut health, much like how calcium citrate is recognized for its benefits. With the growing trend towards gut health optimization, the integration of prebiotics into dietary formulations could play a pivotal role in future health products, just as another name for calcium citrate indicates its diverse uses in nutrition.