U.S. dollar sales of probiotic supplements 2015, by channel
Probiotics – additional information
According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. ”Known for their health benefits and positive impact on the digestive system, doctors often suggest them to help with digestive problems. They can be supplied through foods, beverages and dietary supplements.
However, during the past years several nutritionists debated and discussed the ability of probiotics to prevent and treat some illness. Some say that probiotics help digest our food and produce certain vitamins, while others mentioned side effects which, if they occur, tend to be mild and digestive such as gas or bloating. Theoretically, probiotics might cause infections and unhealthy metabolic activities.
Probiotics began to play a role among immunologists with the beginning of the 20th century and have now received renewed attention from product manufacturers, research studies and consumers. Around 12 percent of U.S. adult supplementary users reported taking probiotics, making it ranked third in the term of specialty supplements. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, sales of probiotics in the Unites States stood at 1.14 billion U.S. dollars in 2014 and are forecasted to almost double by 2019.
One of the most valuable food brands worldwide in 2015 was Danone, generating about 11.13 billion Euros from fresh dairy products, such as probiotic yogurt. Danone’s dairy products include well-known brands such as Actimel and Activia. The company claims that if the probiotic yogurt Activia is consumed twice per day, it may reduce the frequency of bloating, gas, discomfort or rumbling.