New Survey Shows Consumer Interest in Prebiotics Growing, but More Information and Education Needed

Newswise — Chicago, IL--June 30, 2016--A recent poll of diet supplement users reveals that more than 38% would be very likely or somewhat likely in trying 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% 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, 2017.

More than 6 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.

Respondents most frequently associated the word “prebiotic” with the terms “healthy,” “digestion,” “bacteria” and “help.”

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.’¹

“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.² 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.³

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% in the responses.AIDP is exhibiting at booth #2360 at IFT16.

# # #AIDP is a leader in the supply of functional ingredients, with a focus on extensively researched products that meet consumer demand for wellness and healthy aging. Our commitment is to source high-quality ingredients and to provide proprietary solutions that address formulation challenges. AIDP's success is grounded in its depth of experience and commitment to strong science for functional food and beverage product development.These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

¹ http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/prebiotics-and-probiotics-the-dynamic-duo

² http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2016/03/03/should-you-be-taking-a-fiber-supplement/

³ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2010.00135.x/full