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Investigating the Knowledge of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics That May Help to Improve the Gut-Organ Axis Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Summary

This study examined what middle-aged and older adults know about probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—special food components that can improve gut health. Researchers found that many people had little knowledge about these products, even though they may help with various health conditions including heart disease and mental health. After giving people an educational information sheet about gut biotics, their knowledge significantly improved, suggesting that simple education can help people make better choices about their digestive health.

Background

Gut biotics including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have shown potential in managing various health conditions through the gut-organ axis. However, there is limited understanding of the knowledge and use of these gut biotics among middle-aged and older adults despite emerging evidence of their effectiveness.

Objective

To recognize knowledge gaps and assess improvement in understanding of gut biotics (probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) in middle-aged and older adults following an educational intervention using an information sheet.

Results

Knowledge gaps were prevalent at baseline, with 43.4% having no knowledge about gut biotics. Following the intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in 14 of 16 questions (p<0.001). Knowledge improved across all thematic areas except current fermented food consumption, and willingness to consume gut biotics increased from 68% to 96.7%.

Conclusion

Educational interventions using information sheets effectively enhance knowledge of gut biotics among middle-aged and older adults. These findings support the development of targeted health education strategies for improving public understanding of gut biotics and their potential role in managing chronic health conditions.
  • Published in:Cureus,
  • Study Type:Single-arm prospective study with pre- and post-intervention design,
  • Source: PMID: 39161553, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66994
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