Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and contributed partially to the funding of the study. The potential of a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins represents a profitable application for a byproduct of the cranberry juice industry, provided its health benefits can be clearly established. The compound’s involvement in synbiotics—blends of probiotics and prebiotics—could be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations might integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which are already prevalent in various probiotic products, including Yakult and numerous dietary supplements. However, assessing the impact of additional probiotics on gut health remains challenging, as their effects can differ among individuals. In contrast, prebiotics have the advantage of nourishing the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, enabling them to flourish.
The human body harbors trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the microbiome, which vastly outnumber other cells. These microorganisms are believed to play a crucial role in overall health. Although scientists are still unraveling the functions of most of these bacteria, emerging studies suggest a correlation between an individual’s unique microbiome and various health issues, including obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and even cancer. While research into gut health products primarily focuses on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is gaining momentum. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health beverages, dairy items, infant food, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to an estimated $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same organization forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in that year.
Incorporating supplements like calcium citrate, vitamin D3, magnesium hydroxide, and zinc sulphate tablets may also contribute to overall gut health, enhancing the efficacy of both probiotics and prebiotics. The synergy between these supplements and the gut microbiome may provide further insights into optimizing gut health. As the market for prebiotic products continues to grow, the integration of these nutritional elements could play a key role in developing effective gut health solutions.