Do you know the difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics? If not, you are not alone! Based on the recently conducted study by MaCorr Research, only 10% of consumers correctly suggested that “Prebiotics are used to feed healthy bacteria”.
Probiotic and Prebiotic products have become very popular in the North American media advertising and are flying of the shelves, but do we really know what they are? In 2010 MaCorr Research surveyed over 2,000 North American consumers. As part of the survey, consumers were asked to identify the correct usage of Pro and Prebiotics.
Usage awareness of Probiotics in 2010 was quite widespread – 73% of consumers correctly suggested that “Probiotics are used to help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines”. The usage awareness increased significantly over the last 3 years. In 2007 only 47% of consumers were able to correctly identify the usage of Probiotics.
Usage awareness of Probiotics in 2010 was similar among the general population as well as among people with digestive health concerns, 73% and 82% respectively.
The results were quite different when consumers were asked about the usage of Prebiotics. In 2010 only 10% of consumers correctly suggested that “Prebiotics are used to feed healthy bacteria”. 37% said that “Prebiotics are used to restore healthy bacteria” and 46% could not provide an answer (didn’t know).
Usage awareness of Prebiotics was also low among people with digestive health concerns – only 13% provided the correct answer.
For more information about Probiotics and Prebiotics please read An Introduction to Probiotics