Main body - criticisms and limitations -> conclusion

Clinical effectiveness

No specific probiotic officially recognised as a therapeutic product. Claims about their efficacy for conditions such as diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome usually lack substantial evidence, as most studies are based on in vitro research rather than clinical trials

Individual responses to probiotics can vary

Some people experience resistance to their effects. Safety concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations, include potential adverse effects like D-lactic acidosis, cognitive issues, and risks of disrupting the natural gut microbiome, including the development of antibiotic resistance

Regulations

The regulatory landscape for probiotics is inconsistent, with some regions imposing stricter regulations due to insufficient health claims. ​(Lerner, et al., 2019; Liang et al., 2024).​

Probiotic food types

Encapsulated probiotics, and postbiotic foods. These foods enhance shelf-life, taste, and nutritional value due to their association with beneficial bacteria.

Fermented foods

Encompass a wide range of products, including dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and legumes. They are classified by the types of microorganisms used, the types of food involved, and their regional origins.

Encapsulated probiotics

Deliver beneficial strains without fermentation, ensuring stability and viability during digestion. Postbiotics are non-viable compounds derived from probiotics that confer health benefits through their bioactive effects.

Postbiotics

Postbiotics are more stable than probiotics, allowing for easier storage, handling, and better absorption. Developing postbiotic foods requires careful selection of growth conditions, inactivation techniques, and methods for their incorporation. Probiotic products must adhere to specific health benefit criteria and labelling standards to be classified accurately. ​

Example infant formula

​Mugambi et al. (2014)​ Report that an increasing number of women are opting for formula feeding their children, resulting in increased sales and competition among formula manufacturers.

Infant formula development

Research is focused on developing infant formula that resembles breast milk, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, are added to formula to promote beneficial gut bacteria and improve infant health.

Infant formula - prebiotics

Prebiotics stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhancing health and mimicking the gut flora of breastfed infants. The food industry needs to provide clear information on probiotics and prebiotics, as consumers often struggle to understand scientific terms.

Safety and effectiveness of infant formulas

Concerns including compliance with WHO guidelines on preparation and storage. In this descriptive study, out of the 25 companies invited, only 5 (20%) initially agreed to participate but ultimately did not proceed with the study. Ultimately, no companies were willing to participate in the survey. Further research is needed on the use of probiotics in the infant food sector. 

Regulatory challenges

Labelling requirements are strict. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, which is retained in UK law after Brexit, probiotic products must indicate that they are "food supplements," list all ingredients and allergens, include a batch number, and provide storage instructions (​Commission, 2011)​

Probiotic labelling regulations

Specifically for probiotics, the label must declare the genus, species, and strain designation, along with the minimum viable count at the end of the shelf life and the recommended serving size ​(Shehata, 2021)

Health claims

Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006, which remains applicable in the UK. Only claims authorised on the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register can be used. The term "probiotic" itself is considered a health claim and is generally restricted unless approved claims support it ​(Bagchi, 2014)​. Generic statements such as "supports gut health" are prohibited unless they are scientifically substantiated and listed on the register.

Overall challenges with probiotics

There are ongoing compliance challenges, including inaccurate viable counts, undeclared strains, and misleading claims suggesting disease prevention or treatment, which would categorise the product as a medicine under UK law. ​(Shehata, 2021)​. Current industry discussions are focused on allowing the term "probiotic" on labels to align with international practices and reduce consumer confusion. ​(Mehra et al., 2024).​ 

Sustainability and innovation - market

The UK probiotic market is expected to reach a value of approximately £1.91 billion by 2025, with predictions indicating growth to £2.36 billion by 2030. This growth is fulfilled by increasing consumer awareness of gut health, the rise of wellness culture, and a growing demand for functional foods ​(Silaban et al., 2025).​ 

Traditional probiotic food types

Traditional probiotic foods include fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt and kefir, alongside fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, as well as beverages like kombucha.

Future developments in probiotics

Non-dairy alternatives for lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers, as well as functional snacks and probiotic-enriched baby foods.

Innovation in probiotics

Innovative delivery formats incorporate microencapsulation technologies, synbiotic formulations that combine probiotics with prebiotics, and fortified functional foods, such as chocolate and ice cream. Emerging trends feature next-generation probiotics (NGPs) beyond Lactobacillus, yeast-based probiotics for gut health, and personalised probiotic foods tailored to individual microbiome profiles using advanced technologies. ​(Maftei et al., 2024)​. 

Conclusion

•Probiotics: May enhance nutrient absorption and gut balance, but evidence is inconsistent; individual responses vary.

•Postbiotics: Provide health benefits through non-living microbial products, avoiding issues with live microorganisms.

Conclusion future research

Ongoing studies are crucial for understanding mechanisms, improving formulations, and ensuring safety.

The biotics market offers opportunities, but requires scientific validation and consumer protection. essential to solidify the understanding of their mechanisms, optimise formulations, and address regulatory challenges that may hinder consumer safety and product efficacy.

Conclusion further innovation

The future of biotics in healthcare presents opportunities, but it is essential to approach this emerging market with a careful perspective. There should be a focus on ensuring scientific validation and consumer protection alongside the pursuit of innovative health solutions.