You may think you already know everything there is to know about probiotics, but now it is time to discover a more specialized category of probiotics. Traditional probiotics are well-known for their role in improving gut health, and the probiotics market remains one of the largest categories in the health supplement industry, second only to ginseng. However, as the market becomes saturated and consumer knowledge increases, growth in this sector has slowed. In response, functional probiotics are emerging as the next frontier, ushering in a new era of growth in the probiotics industry.

The Next Generation of Probiotics

Functional probiotics not only improve gut health but also address specific consumer needs by offering additional health benefits. Unlike traditional probiotics, functional probiotics are recognized as individually approved ingredients, with manufacturers retaining exclusive rights to their use. For example, functional ingredients can be formulated to support gut health while also aiding in fat reduction or promoting skin health. Consumer awareness of probiotics’ additional functions—such as weight management, skin care, and immune support—has risen significantly, and sales of functional probiotics continue to grow in line with these expectations.

Key Trends in Functional Probiotics

Currently, functional probiotics focused on fat reduction, blood sugar regulation, and women’s health are gaining the most traction, with skin health also showing upward trends. Among these, a strain derived from human breast milk that has been clinically proven to aid in fat reduction holds the largest market share, accounting for about 50% of all functional probiotics. The growth potential for functional probiotics can be seen in two key trends: existing probiotic consumers may opt for products with additional health benefits, and those already taking fat reduction supplements may choose functional probiotics to also support their gut health.

Functional probiotics have already established a strong foothold in Japan and are expected to see continued growth in the domestic market as well. The probiotics are evolving to meet the diverse health needs of consumers, requiring swift development and execution. Kolmar BNH is at the forefront of this transformation, leading the way in revitalizing the stagnant probiotics market with innovative functional probiotics solutions.