Probiotics are big business, but health benefits are unproven
The multibillion-dollar industry for probiotics is built on the belief that certain types of bacteria offer health benefits. But there's no scientific evidence to support this view, writes Jeanette Wang
Tiny they may be, but good bacteria are a mighty big business. Traditionally added to yogurt, these live micro-organisms known as probiotics have made their way into supplements, cheese, granola bars, ice cream, chocolate and even juice.
Probiotics are believed to be beneficial for digestive health and immune function. With increasing interest and research in the ingredient, more health claims have emerged in recent times: from helping pregnant women ward off obesity and maintaining psychological well-being, to treating a variety of conditions from bad cholesterol to the common cold.
Work is being carried out, but officially none of the claims have been confirmed
Unfortunately, they're all just that - claims - owing to less-than-rigorous studies. "A lot of research has been done, a lot of work is being carried out, but officially none of the claims have been confirmed," says Nagendra Shah, a professor of food science and technology at Hong Kong University, who has been researching probiotics for the past 20 years.
Probiotics, Shah says, are ''live micro-organism s believed to actively enhance health by improving the balance of microflora in the gut".
It is the leading functional food ingredient worldwide, according to Ewa Hudson, global head of health and wellness research at research group Euromonitor International.
Global probiotics demand was worth US$27.9 billion in 2011, and is expected to reach US$44.9 billion in 2018, according to a report by market intelligence company Transparency Market Research.