Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers in Korea discovered that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in the elderly. They reported that daily intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) elevates the function of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications for Staimune may involve its use as a fortifying ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics could be challenging due to their sensitivity to extreme temperature and pressure conditions commonly encountered in manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is quite resilient for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean probiotics can now extend beyond the dairy section and the supplements aisle. By eliminating the need for the probiotic to remain active, Staimune increases the variety of food and beverage products that can incorporate probiotics for health benefits.
To capitalize on the rising popularity of probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or integrating these beneficial bacteria into a wide range of products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, which a company representative stated made it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. 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 food and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit significantly from the success of its products. According to a report from 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. Furthermore, the probiotics market worldwide is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, reaching an estimated value of $74.7 billion by 2025. Moreover, calcium citrate chews target also play a role in fortifying dietary supplements, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking additional health benefits alongside probiotics. As the industry evolves, the integration of calcium citrate chews target with probiotic formulations could further enhance the health benefits offered in various food and beverage products, leading to even greater market expansion.