\r\n\r\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section> <\/p>\n Mahalakshmi<\/p><\/div>\n Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. First brought to the spotlight in the early 20th<\/sup> century by Russian Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff, probiotics gained significant attention when he linked the longevity of Bulgarian villagers to their consumption of a fermented yoghurt drink containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus<\/em>. Inspired by this discovery, Japanese microbiologist Dr Minoru Shirota discovered Lactobacillus casei Shirota<\/em> and introduced the yoghurt drink Yakult in 1935, which became globally recognized for its gut health benefits.<\/p>\n Probiotic cultures predominantly come from two genera: Lactobacillus<\/em> and Bifidobacterium<\/em>, which account for over 90% of the total probiotic strains available by volume. However, other genera such as Bacillus<\/em>, Lactococcus<\/em>, Enterococcus<\/em>, Pediococcus<\/em>, Streptococcus<\/em>, and Saccharomyces<\/em> are also used in developing certain probiotic products.<\/p>\n Research has shown that a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, impacting gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders and potentially reducing the risk of stomach cancer. Probiotics are widely used for various health benefits, with gut health remaining the primary focus.<\/p>\n The probiotic content in a product is quantified using colony-forming units (CFUs), which measure the number of live, viable microorganisms. CFUs are determined by culturing a diluted sample, counting the resulting colonies, and calculating the CFU per gram, milliliter, or serving.<\/p>\n Research consistently supports the health benefits of probiotics in various areas. Studies have shown that probiotics can improve gut health by alleviating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and reducing diarrhoea. For instance, a World Journal of Gastroenterology meta-analysis highlighted that strains like Bifidobacterium<\/em> and Lactobacillus<\/em> effectively manage IBS symptoms such as bloating and pain. Additionally, a systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology demonstrated that probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus<\/em> and Saccharomyces boulardii<\/em>, significantly reduce the incidence and duration of diarrhoea, including that caused by antibiotics and infections. These findings underscore probiotics\u2019 role in enhancing digestive health and managing gastrointestinal disorders.<\/p>\n Probiotics offer benefits beyond gut health, including potential impacts on mental health and immune function. The paper titled \u201cExploring the Role and Potential of Probiotics in the Field of Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder\u201d highlights how probiotics may benefit mental health by influencing the gut-brain axis, potentially serving as a complementary treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This is often attributed to the gut-brain axis, where gut health influences mental well-being. Additionally, a study in The Journal of Immunology suggests that probiotics can enhance immune function by modulating immune responses and increasing the production of specific antibodies, potentially leading to reduced incidence of infections and better overall immune health. These findings highlight the broader applications of probiotics in supporting mental and immune health.<\/p>\n According to Giract\u2019s analysis, probiotic culture suppliers can be categorized into four distinct types:<\/p>\n Probiotic culture prices vary based on several factors, including properties, stability, production methods (such as spray or freeze-drying), and the type of health claims approved by regulatory bodies. Lower-cost strains are typically used in animal nutrition, while higher-priced strains, requiring greater viability and purity, are reserved for dairy, supplements, pharmaceuticals, and infant nutrition. Additionally, non-proprietary strains are cheaper, with costs increasing for proprietary, branded, and clinically proven strains.<\/p>\n The European probiotic market is heavily regulated, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) overseeing food safety and health claims. Probiotics are foods containing live bacteria that can reach the intestine, grow, and balance the intestinal microbiota. However, the term \u201cprobiotic\u201d is considered a health claim, requiring regulatory approval, which is currently difficult to obtain in the EU. No probiotic health claims have been approved for food products in the EU, and terms like \u201clive\u201d and \u201cactive\u201d are not permitted on labels, as they imply probiotic function.<\/p>\n Despite these restrictions, countries like Italy, Denmark, and France have allowed the term \u201cprobiotic\u201d on labels under specific conditions. The European demand for probiotics is high in animal feed, supplements, pharmaceuticals, infant nutrition, and functional beverages. Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain are the leading European probiotic markets.<\/p>\n Major producers like Novonesis and Danone dominate the market, accounting for two-thirds of production. Other notable companies include Lallemand, AB Biotics, Lesaffre, Kerry, DSM, and Synbalance.<\/p>\n Recent North American probiotics market developments highlight significant growth and innovation, particularly in probiotic beverages and supplements. Companies like PepsiCo\u2019s KeVita brand have expanded their probiotic drink offerings, capitalizing on the growing demand for functional beverages. There is also a noticeable trend towards non-dairy probiotic products, catering to the increasing number of consumers seeking plant-based options.<\/p>\n In China, the production of probiotic cultures has significantly increased in recent years due to heightened research and collaboration with Western companies. Yakult dominates the probiotic culture market in Southeast Asia, accounting for over 88% of the total market. Meanwhile, domestic production in South Korea and Taiwan has surged in response to growing consumer interest in gut health and immunity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n The probiotic market continues to evolve with new product launches and research breakthroughs.<\/p>\n Since their discovery, probiotics have come a long way, evolving from a niche area of interest to a mainstream health concern with global significance. The market continues to grow, driven by consumer interest in gut health and immunity, regulatory developments, and ongoing research. While challenges remain, particularly in regions with strict regulations like Europe, the future of probiotics looks promising, with continuous innovation and expanding applications across various sectors.<\/p>\n Mahalakshmi is a research associate at Giract. She holds a master\u2019s degree in food technology and management and has gained experience through various internships in different sectors of the food industry. Her research projects include Potato Starch, Probiotic Cultures, Savory Ingredients and currently she is focusing on Allulose and Tagatose. She can be contacted at: mahalakshmi@giract.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
\nProbiotics: A comprehensive look at their evolution and market trends<\/h1>\/ in Featured Articles<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/header>\n<\/div><\/section>
\nFrom ancient Bulgarian yogurt to cutting-edge infant nutrition, the developing world of probiotics continues to reshape our understanding of gut health. Mahalakshmi<\/strong><\/em>, research associate at Giract, explores the latest trends, regulatory challenges, and breakthrough developments in the global probiotics industry, with particular focus on European markets and recent product innovations.<\/h3>\n
Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Probiotics and their health implications<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The probiotic supply chain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Pricing of probiotics<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Probiotic market in Europe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sector-specific insights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Global probiotic market<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Recent product launches and research developments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
New product launches and research developments tracked by Giract <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n
About the author<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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