Probiotics as perceived by Poles
2017-04-18
1800 pln
What dietary supplements do Poles reach for?
An opinion poll conducted on a nationwide sample found that almost 73% of Poles use dietary supplements. Magnesium and potassium supplements are by far the most common, with over 50% of respondents indicating that they are used. One in four Poles use probiotic supplements. 22.5% of respondents also use preparations that are intended to help take care of their appearance.
Reasons for using probiotics
The main reason why Polish consumers take probiotics is because they believe it is important to protect the intestinal microflora during antibiotic therapy. We also often reach for them with the intention of strengthening immunity and improving the function of the digestive system. Probiotic supplements also commonly accompany irritable bowel syndrome and are also taken by pregnant women.
Frequency of probiotic use
More than 50% of respondents declared that they only use probiotic supplements when taking antibiotics. Less than 20% choose to take probiotics occasionally. On the other hand, 8% of Poles admitted to systematic supplementation.
Factors influencing awareness of the need to take probiotics
We most often learn about the need to take probiotics from our doctor. Much less frequently do we recognise supplementation by following the recommendations presented in articles on the Web. We are also relatively rarely guided by recommendations from pharmacists and friends and family members. Use drug testing to get to know your customers better.
1. METHODOLOGICAL NOTE 3
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH SAMPLE 4
3. RESULTS OF THE STUDY 8
3.1 Probiotic dietary supplements vs. other supplements 8
3.2 Reasons for using probiotics and sources of knowledge on the need 9
3.3 Course of supplementation 12
3.4 Experiences with specific probiotics 16
3.5. Determinants of selection of a specific probiotic 20
4. CONCLUSIONS 22
5. INDEX OF TABLES AND FIGURES 23
INDEX OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1 Characteristics of respondents by income per person in the household - basic income parameters (N=750) 6
Table 17. Resources used by respondents - breakdown by gender and age (N=804) 9
Table 18. Reasons for using probiotic products by respondents - summary by gender and age (N=207) 10
Table 19. Respondents' sources of knowledge about the need for probiotics - summary by gender and age (N=207) 11
Table 20. Method of probiotic intake by respondents - summary by gender and age (N=207) 12
Table 21. Probiotic intake by respondents during antibiotic treatment - summary by gender and age (N=162) 13
Table 22. Willingness to take probiotics by antibiotic recommendation - summary by gender and age (N=162) 13
Table 23. Frequency of probiotic consumption by respondents - summary by gender and age (N=207) 14
Table 24. Probiotic consumption by respondents during antibiotic therapy - basic parameters (N=146) 15
Table 25. administration of probiotics to children - summary by gender and age (N=207) 16
Table 26. Probiotic products known to respondents (N=207) 16
Table 27. Aided knowledge of individual probiotic brands - summary by gender and age (N=207) 17
Table 28. Use of individual probiotic brands - summary by gender and age (N=207) 19
Table 29. Characteristics considered when purchasing a probiotic - summary by gender and age (N=207) 20
Table 30 Importance of characteristics considered when purchasing a probiotic - summary by gender and age (N=207) 21
Figure 1: Characteristics of respondents by gender (N=804) 4
Figure 2. characteristics of respondents by age (N=804) 4
Figure 3: Characteristics of respondents by education (N=804) 5
Figure 4: Characteristics of respondents by income per person in the household (N=804) 5
Figure 5: Characteristics of respondents by occupation (N=804) 6
Figure 6. Characteristics of respondents in terms of factors they pay attention to when buying medicines in a pharmacy (N=804) 7
Figure 10. Resources used by respondents (N=804) 8
Figure 11. respondents' reasons for using probiotic products (N=207) 10
Figure 12. Respondents' sources of knowledge about the need for probiotics (N=207) 11
Figure 13. Method of probiotic intake by respondents (N=207) 12
Figure 14. Method of probiotic intake by respondents during antibiotic treatment (N=162) 12
Figure 15. propensity to take probiotics as recommended (N=162) 13
Figure 16. frequency of probiotic consumption by respondents (N=207) 14
Figure 17. Probiotic intake by respondents continuously - duration of intake (N=16) 15
Figure 18. administration of probiotics to children (N=207) 16
Figure 19. Supported knowledge of individual probiotic brands (N=207) 17
Figure 20. characteristics considered when purchasing a probiotic (N=207) 20
Figure 21. importance of characteristics considered when purchasing a probiotic (N=207) 2
(FAQ)
Probiotic dietary supplements are preparations that contain live micro-organisms (usually bacteria) or their metabolites that affect the intestinal microflora. Their purpose is to improve the functioning of the digestive system and the health of the body in general.
In most cases, it depends on each person's individual needs and health status. In general, however, the use of probiotics can provide health benefits, especially in cases of gut microflora disorders. Probiotics can also help to strengthen the immune system and prevent infectious diseases, as well as improve digestion and nutrient absorption. It is always advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
Probiotics can benefit a number of illnesses and conditions, especially those related to the digestive and immune systems. Here are some of them:
- Diarrhoea,
- Constipation,
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
- Gluten sensitivity,
- Urinary tract infections.
