Ocean Spray provided purified xyloglucans and partially funded the research. The potential use of a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for a byproduct of the cranberry juice industry, contingent upon establishing its health benefits. The compound’s involvement in synbiotics—which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—could be particularly noteworthy. Researchers have proposed that formulations might integrate xyloglucans with probiotics such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, which are already prevalent in various probiotic products, including Yakult and numerous supplements. However, measuring the impact of additional probiotics on gut health poses challenges, as their effects can differ between individuals. In contrast, prebiotics serve to nourish the beneficial bacteria that are already present in the gut, promoting their growth.
The human body houses trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which significantly outnumber other types of cells. These microorganisms are believed to have a considerable influence on overall health. Although scientists remain uncertain about the functions of most of these bacteria, emerging studies suggest a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various health conditions, such as obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer. While research primarily centers on probiotics, the interest in prebiotics is growing. The demand for products containing prebiotics—including health drinks, dairy items, infant food, meat, and bakery goods—could propel the market to an estimated $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts. In the same vein, this firm anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion within the same timeframe.
Additionally, the growing popularity of supplements like calcium citrate chews highlights the increasing consumer focus on products that support gut health, further emphasizing the potential for prebiotics in the market. As awareness of gut health continues to rise, both prebiotics and probiotics, including formulations that incorporate calcium citrate chews, are likely to gain traction among health-conscious consumers.