Probiotic Supplement Manufacturing Trends
Probiotics means "for life". Probiotics are live microorganisms that optimize the intestinal microflora balance so that it confers health benefits on the host. Probiotics can include fermented milk or probiotic supplements. Prebiotics is a non-digestible food which by its presence stimulates the growth of selective healthy bacteria in the intestines.
The combined use of probiotics, prebiotics and prebiotic sugars such as fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose, etc has become extremely popular. Synbiotics refers to the combination of both probiotics and prebiotics nutritional supplements to create a synbiotic relationship which nutritionally modulates intestinal and digestive health. Burgeoning research in understanding probiotics and prebiotics and how they complement each other has given rise to a number of synbiotic supplements.
And there's more. Boosted by trends for healthier lifestyles, the American romance with probiotics is far from over. With new discoveries and studies that show specific strains of probiotics to support specific health conditions, Americans are looking forward to ingesting an even greater variety of probiotic supplements.
Health Benefits Associated with Probiotic Supplements
There are already a 100 trillion bacteria living in the gut, mostly in the intestines. Certain gut bacteria are known to play a beneficial role in gastroenteritis resistance, lactose tolerance, gastrointestinal health. Studies show that by modulating the composition of gut bacteria a more remedial community can thrive.
Prebiotic supplements consist of fibers, such as inulin and oligofructose. Research indicates they may support weight management and hence may be used in weight management aids. New research and wider public acceptance of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics is opening up a fuller potential for the probiotic supplements industry. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements combination is known to boost the quality of life for people suffering from temporary intestinal discomfort.
Probiotic Supplements: Gutsy Growth
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements have been manufactured independently and have had successful consumer acceptance. Probiotics is a more established supplement sector, but the prebiotics sector is growing at a faster rate. (Packaged Facts, October 2009). Synbiotic supplements were introduced commercially in 2006 and are gaining popularity among consumers faster.
According to Packaged Facts - "In the past few years, there has been a growing awareness among consumers globally of the connection between digestive health and a healthy immunity system. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is now recognized as a very active immune center. Indeed, the GI tract contains more than 80% of the body's antibody-producing cells. Importantly, the digestive tract comprises an entirely separate immune system, which was not fully appreciated until recently. The GI system confers an immunity different from the immune functions elsewhere in the body."
The demographics for synbiotic supplement users range from infants to the elderly. Prime targets are aging baby boomers. Since a poor diet and age are driving factors for poor digestive health, those who consume "convenience" or "junk" foods lack fiber and nutrition and also form a key demographic.
According to Market and Research, the global probiotics market is predicted to reach $31.2 billion with a CAGR of 11.7 percent from 2009 to 2014. There's plenty of room in the market for brand owners who want to make a niche for themselves in manufacturing quality probiotic supplements, prebiotic supplements and synbiotic supplements.
Contact NutraScience Labs today to learn more about our probiotic supplement manufacturing services - call (855) 492-7388 to speak to one of our Production Specialists or submit your request to receive a free quote in 48 hours or less!
