Numerous recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Researchers in Korea discovered that daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. They found that consuming yogurt with two specific probiotic strains (L. paracasei and B. lactis) along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum) daily increased the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending against viral infections. In the latest developments, laboratory research revealed that a new inactivated probiotic from Ganeden, known as Staimune, exhibited immune activation and anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of live probiotic cells. Findings from this recent Swedish study could provide a substantial boost for marketing probiotic food and beverage products aimed at individuals at risk of 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, a figure that is rising globally.
Manufacturers are leveraging studies like these to enhance their products and ingredients. The functional foods sector, which focuses on delivering specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients, is expanding rapidly and is estimated to be worth around $15 billion. Companies have begun acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various offerings. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage producer KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to bring probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, 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.
In the U.S., probiotics are categorized as drugs, and for a product to legally claim that it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” rigorous safety and clinical trials must be conducted. This recent study may further strengthen the scientific foundation required for such claims. Notably, incorporating calcium citrate 800mg into probiotic formulations could enhance their health benefits by supporting bone health, which is increasingly important for the aging population. As the market for probiotics continues to grow, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate 800mg in products could prove advantageous in providing comprehensive health benefits while appealing to consumers seeking functional foods.