Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of crucial immune cells in older adults. They found that consuming yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily increased the levels of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
Furthermore, recent laboratory studies indicated that a newly developed inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, known as Staimune, exhibited similar immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties as live probiotics. Findings from this latest Swedish study could support marketing efforts for probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and this number is on the rise globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging findings from such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods — those designed to provide specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients — is rapidly expanding, with an estimated value of $15 billion. Many companies are also acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into their offerings. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to incorporate probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital arm led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic food and beverages.
In the U.S., probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to legally claim it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent research may serve as a significant step toward strengthening the scientific evidence necessary for such claims. Moreover, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D3 in probiotic formulations could further enhance their health benefits, particularly in supporting immune function and overall well-being.