Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various strains of probiotics on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers indicated that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in elderly individuals. Their findings revealed that daily intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria L. plantarum, improved the function 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 could be challenging. Probiotics are sensitive to temperature and pressure variations 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 are no longer limited to dairy products or dietary supplements. By eliminating the need for the probiotic to remain active, Staimune expands the range of food and beverage items that can include probiotics for their health benefits.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, manufacturers are increasingly acquiring probiotic companies or integrating these beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage brand KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to offer probiotics in the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to gain significantly from the success of its products. According to a report by BCC Research, 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, aiming to reach around $74.7 billion by 2025.
Incorporating ingredients such as calcium citrate 315 mg with vitamin D can further enhance the nutritional profile of these products, making them even more attractive to health-conscious consumers. The combination of probiotics and calcium citrate with vitamin D could offer synergistic benefits, promoting stronger immune function and overall health. As the market evolves, we may see more innovative applications of probiotics, including those enriched with calcium citrate 315 mg with vitamin D, across various food and beverage categories.