International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-8 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 4 nontraditional ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary fibers, are gaining popularity for their convenience, ease of distribution, and shelf stability (Routray and Orsat, 2019). These beverages are particularly appealing for their potential to improve gut health, manage body weight, and enhance overall well-being, making them a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers. 4.2 Formula design and process optimization The design of functional beverages involves selecting appropriate ingredients and optimizing processes to enhance health benefits and sensory properties. For instance, multigrain beverages using millets have been developed with a focus on maintaining low glycemic index and high dietary fiber content, which are crucial for health benefits and consumer acceptance (Freire et al., 2017). The use of probiotics and prebiotics in beverage formulations requires careful consideration of the strains used and their synergistic effects with dietary fibers to ensure product efficacy and stability (He et al., 2021). 4.3 Product stability and sensory evaluation Ensuring the stability and sensory appeal of functional beverages is critical for consumer acceptance. The incorporation of dietary fibers and probiotics can affect the viscosity and taste of beverages, necessitating process adjustments to maintain desirable sensory attributes (Arya and Shakya, 2021). Techniques such as fermentation and the use of specific probiotic strains can enhance the stability and sensory qualities of these beverages, making them more palatable and effective. Sensory evaluations are essential to optimize formulations and ensure that the final product meets consumer expectations. 4.4 Health effect assessment of functional beverages Functional beverages enriched with dietary fibers and probiotics offer numerous health benefits, including improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and potential relief from gastrointestinal disorders like functional dyspepsia and constipation. Clinical trials have demonstrated that beverages containing specific probiotic strains can modulate gut microbiota, leading to improved digestive health and reduced symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. The health effects of these beverages are attributed to their ability to enhance the bioavailability of nutrients and support a healthy gut microbiome (Raman et al., 2019). 5 Application Cases and Analysis 5.1 Development status of functional beverages at home and abroad The global market for functional beverages is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer interest in health and wellness. Functional beverages, which include non-alcoholic drinks enriched with nontraditional ingredients, are gaining popularity due to their health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These beverages are designed to improve various health conditions, such as gut health, immune function, and metabolic health, and are particularly appealing due to their convenience and ease of consumption. In Europe, North America, and Asia, the market for probiotic dairy and non-dairy beverages is substantial, with fermented milk and yogurt products being particularly popular. Non-dairy options are also expanding, catering to consumers with lactose intolerance or those following vegan diets (Palencia-Argel et al., 2022). 5.2 Typical cases of compound dietary fiber and probiotics integration The integration of compound dietary fibers and probiotics in functional beverages is a growing trend, with several successful cases highlighting their synergistic benefits. For instance, beverages containing Lactobacillus paracasei LC-37 have been shown to improve functional dyspepsia by modulating the intestinal microbiota and enhancing beneficial metabolites. Another example is the development of a high-fiber, low glycemic index multigrain beverage using millets, which provides dietary fiber and prebiotic benefits (Figure 2) (Shinde et al., 2019). Additionally, cereal-based gluten-free drinks have been explored for their potential to deliver probiotics and dietary fibers, offering health benefits such as improved gut health and nutrient absorption (Tan et al., 2023). 5.3 Technical challenges and solutions in applications The development of functional beverages incorporating dietary fibers and probiotics faces several technical challenges. One major issue is maintaining the viability of probiotic strains during processing and storage, which
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