Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers in Korea discovered that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that regularly consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) and heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) can boost the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In the latest laboratory investigations, a new inactivated probiotic known as Staimune, developed by Ganeden, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of live probiotics. The results from this study in Sweden could potentially strengthen the marketing efforts for probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer affects around 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging findings from such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—those designed to provide specific health benefits in addition to calories and nutrients—is expanding rapidly, with an estimated worth of $15 billion. Companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics to the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food 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,” it must undergo rigorous safety assessments and clinical trials. This recent study may serve as an important step in reinforcing the scientific foundation necessary for making such claims. Furthermore, in addition to probiotics, indications of calcium citrate are gaining attention, particularly for their complementary role in supporting overall health, which may further enhance the efficacy of probiotic products. The recognition of calcium citrate’s benefits is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of functional foods, emphasizing the importance of both probiotics and calcium citrate in promoting well-being.