Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that the daily intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) increased the levels of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune may serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics presents formulation challenges. As probiotics are sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures typically encountered during manufacturing, innovations in temperature-stable strains have made it possible for probiotics to be included in a wider range of products beyond just dairy and supplements. With Staimune, there is no need for the probiotic to remain active, thereby expanding the variety of food and beverage items that can benefit from the inclusion of probiotics.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, many manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into their products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired probiotic beverage producer KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to bring probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills contributed to a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit significantly from the success of its products, especially as the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, according to a BCC Research report. The food and beverage sector comprised 73% of this market, amounting to $24.8 billion. Furthermore, 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 context, products like Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D3 are also gaining traction as consumers increasingly seek health-enhancing supplements. The integration of probiotics into products such as Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D3 not only supports immune health but also aligns with current trends towards fortified foods. As this market continues to expand, the inclusion of various health-focused ingredients, including probiotics, will likely become more common in the food and beverage industry.