Ocean Spray provided the purified xyloglucans and partially financed the research. If the health benefits can be established, a prebiotic derived from cranberry skins could represent a profitable application for the waste product generated by the cranberry juice manufacturer. The compound’s potential role in synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—may be particularly intriguing. Researchers have proposed that formulations could merge xyloglucans with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are already prevalent in probiotic products like Yakult and various dietary supplements. However, assessing the impact of additional probiotics on gut health can be challenging, and their effects may differ from person to person. In contrast, prebiotics can nourish the beneficial bacteria already present in the gut, supporting their growth and activity.
The human body harbors trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiome, which outnumber other cells by a significant margin. These microorganisms are believed to have a considerable influence on overall health. Although scientists remain uncertain about the specific functions of many of these bacteria, emerging research indicates a connection between an individual’s unique microbiome and various conditions, including obesity, intestinal diseases, and even cancer.
While the primary focus of gut health research has been on probiotics, interest in prebiotics is on the rise. The demand for products containing prebiotics—such as health drinks, dairy items, infant food, meat, and baked goods—could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in that year. Additionally, products like Citracal chewable supplements are increasingly being explored for their potential to enhance gut health through the inclusion of both prebiotics and probiotics, further emphasizing the growing interest in synbiotic formulations.