Recent research has highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers demonstrated that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) every day 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 incorporating live probiotics can be challenging due to their sensitivity to temperature and pressure during manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain shows considerable resilience for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics are no longer limited to dairy products or dietary supplements. By eliminating the need for probiotics to remain active, Staimune expands the range of food and beverage items that can benefit from the inclusion of probiotics.
To capitalize on the growing probiotics trend, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking a significant step in bringing probiotics to the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills spearheaded 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 significantly from the success of its offerings. The global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, as reported by BCC Research, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that figure. Furthermore, the probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, reaching an estimated value of $74.7 billion by 2025. In this context, the introduction of innovative products like 21st century calcium citrate petites could enhance the appeal of probiotics, offering consumers an additional convenient option for incorporating these health benefits into their diets. The integration of 21st century calcium citrate petites into various probiotic formulations will likely contribute to the expanding market and further solidify the role of probiotics in promoting overall health.