More than 38 percent of dietary supplement users would be likely to try a prebiotic that benefits digestive and immune health, if university research validated those benefits.

July 4, 2016

2 Min Read
New survey: Consumer interest in prebiotics growing, but more information needed

A recent poll of diet supplement users reveals that more than 38 percent would be very likely or somewhat likely to try a prebiotic with strong digestive and immune health benefits, if the product were science-validated by a research conducted at and published by a major university.

The survey revealed that 44 percent of these consumers had tried a probiotic supplement. Results of the survey will be released at this year’s Institute of Food Technologists 16 annual meeting in Chicago, July 16-19.

More than six in 10 consumers reported they would be interested in buying a product that contained both a prebiotic and a probiotic. This reflects the rapidly developing body of scientific research leading to a better understanding of the role of digestive and immune wellness.

Mark Thurston, president of AIDP said, “People are most familiar with probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that can be found in a variety of food, including yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir and Jerusalem artichokes that aid in digestive health. Consumers are less familiar with prebiotics, a special form of dietary fiber that is found naturally in garlic, onions, artichokes and corn cob. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes, ‘Ultimately, prebiotics (‘good’ bacteria promoters) and probiotics (‘good’ bacteria) work together synergistically. In other words, prebiotics are breakfast, lunch and dinner for probiotics, which restores and can improve GI health.’ 

“However, according to the new 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most of us fall well short of eating the amount of fiber, from any food source, to meet our daily requirements.  Consequently, our digestive and immune systems are out of balance. Clearly, there is a role for science-based nutritional supplemental solutions, to help our gastrointestinal system to work effectively. PreticX, a xylooligosaccharide (XOS) is one such option that has passed rigorous safety and efficacy requirements.”

XOS ingredients have great prebiotic potential, according to a growing body of published science.

AIDP contracted with Survata to conduct a nationally representative survey of 400 diet supplement users in late February. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent in the responses.

AIDP is exhibiting at booth #2360 at IFT16.

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