Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research conducted by Korean scientists revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that regular consumption of yogurt containing two probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) increased the effectiveness of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where the inclusion of live probiotics may present formulation challenges. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to the extreme temperatures and pressures typically encountered during manufacturing. While the BC30 strain from Ganeden is largely robust for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics can now be incorporated beyond traditional dairy products and supplements. Since Staimune doesn’t require the probiotic to remain active, it expands the range of food and beverage items that can benefit from the inclusion of probiotics.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or integrating these beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage brand KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, which, according to a company representative, marks the brand as the first to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice sector. Additionally, the venture capital branch of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its probiotic offerings. According to a BCC Research report, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. The probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025. In this evolving landscape, products like source naturals calcium citrate may also find new opportunities for integration alongside probiotics, enhancing their health benefits and appeal in the market.