Recent research has highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean scientists revealed that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of crucial immune cells in older adults. They found that regularly consuming 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 vital role in defending against viral infections.
Future applications for Staimune may include its use as a strengthening ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where incorporating live probiotics poses formulation challenges. Probiotics are sensitive to temperature and pressure fluctuations often encountered during manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is known for its resilience in 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 broadens the range of food and beverage products that can include probiotics for added health benefits.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into a variety of products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking it as the first brand to bring probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Similarly, General Mills’ venture capital arm led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit 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 global probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, aiming to reach a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025. This growth presents opportunities not just for traditional probiotics but also for innovative products that incorporate ingredients like calcium citrate, which has been discussed extensively on platforms like lpr reddit, further expanding the market potential.