Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers indicated that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhances the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings revealed that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) boosts the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In more recent laboratory studies, a newly developed inactivated probiotic named Staimune, produced by Ganeden, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live probiotics. This latest research from Sweden holds promising implications for marketing probiotic food and beverage products, particularly for individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer affects around 1.4 million individuals each year, with an increasing prevalence globally.
Manufacturers are actively incorporating findings from these studies into their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods, which are designed to provide specific health benefits alongside essential nutrients, is expanding, potentially reaching a value of approximately $15 billion. Companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or integrating beneficial bacteria into various products. For example, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced the Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics to mainstream juice offerings. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital division led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to legally claim that it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study may serve as an important step in strengthening the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Meanwhile, mini calcium citrate pills are gaining attention as a complementary health supplement that could further enhance immune support, especially when combined with probiotics. The integration of mini calcium citrate pills into health regimens may help individuals maximize their overall wellness, alongside their efforts to consume probiotic-rich foods.