Lifeway Foods, Inc., a US supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, announced its latest functional beverage innovation: Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen made with kefir cultures. Available in four flavors – Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain – the new line features 5g of collagen in each serving and is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow over the next five years.

Research shows that gut and skin health are interconnected through a two-way communication system known as the gut-skin axis, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. The new Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen line supports this important axis through Lifeway's unique combination of its 12 live and active cultures, 25-30 billion beneficial CFUs (Colony Forming Units) plus 5g of collagen per serving, which may help support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness and joint health. This fermented beverage also helps to support a healthy microbiome. Kefir naturally provides high-quality bioavailable nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, and D, as well as protein and essential fatty acids, all of which are crucial to healthy skin cell production.