Knowledge, use and perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics in Rush University Medical Center patients

The purpose of this study was to assess inpatient use, knowledge and perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics. A questionnaire was created and was verbally administered to patients. More patients were familiar with probiotics (63%) compared to prebiotics (28%). More patients (56%) were consuming probiotics than prebiotics (33%). The most popular probiotic products were yogurts (66%) and prebiotic products were cereals and granola bars (73.3%). Patients believed probiotics and prebiotics are most beneficial for digestion. The most common reason to consume probiotics was digestion (41.1%) and prebiotics to reduce overweight (39.4%). Patients believed probiotics and prebiotics are safe and health claims can somewhat be trusted. Clinicians need to be aware patients are taking these types of products and provide patient education to help patients understand what they are consuming, in order to ensure that probiotics and prebiotics are being consumed safely and for health conditions proven beneficial by research.