Kathryn Ambroze
HCD Research, Flemington, USA

Abstract

From yogurt and kombucha to lotions and serums, probiotic-infused products are filling store shelves. Probiotics are also the most often recommended supplement by doctors, as well as a very common supplement that consumers choose to take independently. This trend, based on continued demand, does not show any signs of slowing down, with some projections showing an estimate of a $69.3 billion market for enriched products (1). The recent surge in probiotic interest suggests that consumers are willing to pay a premium for probiotics. But do probiotics live up to the hype? With new research on probiotics following the wave, we are hopeful to gain insight into the importance of probiotics— and find out if the bacteria are worth the price.

From yogurt and kombucha to lotions and serums, probiotic-infused products are filling store shelves. Probiotics are also the most often recommended supplement by doctors, as well as a very common supplement that consumers choose to take independently. This trend, based on continued demand, does not show any signs of slowing down, with some projections showing an estimate of a $69.3 billion market for enriched products (1). The recent surge in probiotic interest suggests that consumers are willing to pay a premium for probiotics. But do probiotics live up to the hype? With new research on probiotics following the wave, we are hopeful to gain insight into the importance of probiotics— and find out if the bacteria are worth the price.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS ANYWAY?

In short, probiotics are “good bacteria, yeasts, and/or fungi” that have potential benefits when administered in an appropriate quantity. Trillions of bacteria already reside on and inside your body, but not all the bacteria are good for you. The theory behind probiotics is if you have enough good bacteria, it will keep the bad bacteria in check. The use of probiotics i ...