Consumer demographics and expectations of probiotic therapy in New Zealand: results of a large telephone survey.

Background: Knowledge regarding the possible health benefits of probiotic preparations has been increasing, but clinical trials have largely produced non-significant results. In contrast, the open market for probiotics is expanding worldwide despite little research of consumer characteristics.

Aim: We aimed to survey the availability of probiotic preparations, the recommendation patterns of general practitioners (GP) and the characteristics of consumers.

Methods: Pharmacies were visited and the types of probiotic supplements were reviewed. A telephone survey was conducted to identify and characterise users and non-users. A questionnaire was sent to GPs.

Results: We found 31 probiotic products containing 16 different strains of bacteria. The majority of GPs were unable to clearly define a probiotic. Of 1512 random phone numbers called, 873 were answered. The prevalence of probiotic use was 25.4% of respondents. More females than males had ever used probiotics (30.6% vs 17.2%; p<0.0001). The highest rate of use was found in those with tertiary qualifications (34.2%; p<0.001). Of users, 75.2% said they had used probiotics on a recommendation, 80.5% of non-users said they would consider taking a probiotic if it was recommended by the GP. Probiotics were mainly used alongside antibiotic treatment (23%) and gastrointestinal disorders (27.5%). Significantly more users than non-users believed in the benefits of probiotic without concern for possible side effects.

Conclusion: The majority of participants would consider taking a probiotic if it was recommended by their GP, but GPs exhibited a lack of knowledge in the use and indications for probiotic therapy. There was a general lack of concern regarding potential side-effects.