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Association of the use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics with total and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

Summary

This study of over 53,000 American adults found that people taking nonfood supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics had significantly lower risks of dying from any cause, heart disease, cancer, or other causes compared to those who didn’t take these supplements. The benefits were particularly strong in women and people without high blood pressure. These findings suggest that these supplement types may play an important role in preventing early death.

Background

The use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics has tripled over the last 20 years due to growing research linking their usage to positive changes in gut microbiota and various clinical outcomes. However, few studies have examined the impact of these substances from nonfood sources on mortality outcomes in large prospective cohorts.

Objective

To examine the associations between nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large nationally representative prospective cohort study.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 10.6 years, 9,117 deaths were documented. Compared to nonusers, nonfood prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic users had significantly lower risks: 59% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.41), 56% reduction in cancer mortality (HR 0.44), 49% reduction in heart disease mortality (HR 0.51), and 64% reduction in other causes of mortality (HR 0.36). The associations were stronger in female participants and those without hypertension.

Conclusion

The use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics is significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality from heart disease, cancer, and other causes in a nationally representative population, highlighting their potential role in preventing premature death.
  • Published in:Nutrition Journal,
  • Study Type:Prospective Cohort Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40114150, DOI: 10.1186/s12937-025-01104-w
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