Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research conducted by Korean scientists revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly increased the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily enhances the function of natural killer cells, which play a critical role in defending against viral infections.
In the latest laboratory research, a new inactivated probiotic named Staimune, developed by Ganeden, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of live probiotics. This study from Sweden could support marketing efforts for probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk for or currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer affects about 1.4 million people each year and is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging findings like these to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods market, which focuses on delivering specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients, is expanding and potentially valued at around $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various products. For example, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital division led a $6.5 million Series D investment in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a label to legally claim that a product is “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 needed for such claims. Moreover, the growing interest in probiotics aligns with discussions around nutritional supplements like calcium citrate for kidney stones, highlighting the increasing awareness of health benefits associated with various dietary components. The incorporation of calcium citrate for kidney stones in the context of probiotic products may offer an additional angle for manufacturers to explore.