Dr. Sanjay Agrawal
Leading Pharmaceutical consultant and editor-in chief of IJMToday
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer health benefits to the host. Alternatively, probiotics have been defined as live microbial feed supplements that beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Probiotics were originally used to improve the health of both animals and humans through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota. At present several well characterized strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are available for human use to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal, infections or treat such infections by improving or restoring the gut flora and stopping undesirable bacteria from overgrowing in the gut.
Gut flora refers to the microorganisms that naturally live in your digestive tract and are important for your health. Two important roles microorganisms play in the body are protection of the immune system and aiding metabolism. Therefore, consuming probiotics can help strengthen the ability of your gut flora to improve your overall health. The terms probiotics and cultures are often used interchangeable .Live food cultures are microorganisms often used to ferment foods and beverages.
Probiotics are live microorganism that have been shown to have a positive health effect. Live cultures are essential for creating many of the foods known to be rich in probiotics ,for example ,your favorite cheese . At the same time, cultures are used to create other fermented products like beer, which is not considered rich in probiotics.
Unpasteurised sauerkraut ,miso, kimchi, kefir,sourdough bread and tempeh are all examples of fermented foods belonging to a category that contain live active cultures that are naturally rich in probiotics or may have added probiotics. Similarly, yogurt also contains probiotics ,either naturally or added . Probiotics can also come in capsule, tablet, powder and liquid forms to be consumed as a dietary supplement. Knowing the many health benefits probiotics can offer, food scientists are looking at new ways to add probiotics to everyday products like cereals and granola bars.
The Benefits of Probiotics
-Probiotics can help prevent or treat diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotics.
-It can improve systems of irritable bowel syndrome.
-It can boost the immune system.
-Reduce inflammation and allergies.
-Help your body digest food
-Keep bad bacteria from getting out of control and making you sick.
-Create vitamins.
-Help support the cells that line your gut to prevent bad bacteria that you may have consumed from entering your blood.
-Breakdown and absorb medications
Area of growth for 2021
- Probiotics
According to the report by knowledge sourcing .com, the Indian probiotics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.56 %to reach a market size of US$961.85 million in 2025 from US$448.45 million in 2019. This growth is fuelled by factors such as increasing consciousness for healthy living, rising awareness of preventive and natural healthcare treatments, growth in the functional food industry, growing obese population, and adoption of probiotics in pediatric healthcare.
- Immunity building ingredients
This area definitely will make a huge amount of money in 2021, as being all equipped for any uncertainty like Covid -19 is what we have learned this year. Looking at the current situation of Prevention is better than cure ,supplements like Amuls Haldi Dudh ,Dabur products like Chawanprash ,Giloy –Tulsi –Neem juice , Ashwagandha etc., have reported strong growth and will continue to grow in upcoming years.
According to report- linker.com, the Indian immunity boosting packaged products market is projected to reach $347 million by FY 2026 owing to increasing consciousness and focus towards preventive health.
- Vitamins and Minerals Supplements
Number of new launches is taking place in this segment of the Nutraceutical market in recent years. Exposure to direct sunlight is rare because of lockdown, which might result in an increase demand for Vit. D supplements in 2021. Vit.C, B, and B12 are proven to have immunity –boosting properties that will occupy the Nutra market along with Vit. A, Multivitamin supplements and essential minerals like managanese, calcium, iron, zinc etc. Nutraceutical gummies, which were once considered a health supplement for kids, are now making significant moves into the adult VMS category.
