Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research conducted by Korean scientists indicated that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings suggested that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily improves the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
In the latest laboratory studies, a new inactivated probiotic known as Staimune, developed by Ganeden, demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of live probiotics. This recent research from Sweden may provide valuable support for marketing probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk for or currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods sector—those designed to offer specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, with an estimated market value of $15 billion. Companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various offerings. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics to the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital division 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 carry a claim that it “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study could further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Furthermore, as the demand for bariatric vitamins, including calcium citrate, increases among individuals undergoing weight-loss surgery, manufacturers may explore the integration of probiotics into these formulations to enhance overall health benefits. The intersection of probiotics and bariatric vitamins reflects a growing understanding of the importance of gut health in achieving optimal well-being, especially for those navigating significant dietary changes.