WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A new survey from The Dannon Company reveals that Americans are more familiar than ever with probiotics—live microorganisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The benefits are due, in large part, to the effects of these so-called "friendly" bacteria on different intestinal functions.
“If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, try visiting the product website or calling the manufacturer; if a product truly contains probiotics, the manufacturer will have information about clinical studies readily available.”
.The annual benchmarking survey, which interviewed 2,000 Americans ages 18 and older, tracks awareness and perceptions of probiotics. It shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans are familiar with the term “probiotics,” up from about half in 2009.1 Currently, 45% of Americans consider themselves very or somewhat knowledgeable on the subject, compared to 36% in 2009.i In addition, the survey reveals that Americans are making health-conscious decisions about the foods they eat, with six in 10 saying they have made food purchases driven by health concerns.i
Despite these positive findings, many myths and misconceptions surrounding probiotics and digestive health remain. To help address Americans’ concerns and confusion, Dannon is partnering with nationally recognized registered dietician Keri Glassman, founder and president of Nutritious Life and author of the best-selling book, The O2 Diet.
“Through our partnership with Keri Glassman, we hope to help elevate Americans’ understanding of the factors that affect digestive health, including what we eat,” said Dr. Miguel Freitas, director of health affairs for Dannon. “Probiotics have become increasingly popular in the past several years, but our annual survey shows that there are still some misunderstandings about what they are and how they work, which can lead to confusion for consumers.”
Here are some of the common myths and misperceptions uncovered by the survey, and the facts to set them straight:
•Nearly one-quarter of survey respondents (22%) believe that ALL bacteria can make you sicki. In reality, just the opposite is true: Probiotics are live bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits , which include help supporting the immune system, helping regulate the digestive system, and helping maintaining oral health.
•One-third of respondents feel uncomfortable eating foods that contain bacteriai. “What these individuals don’t realize”, noted Glassman, “is that eating certain foods containing probiotics can help regulate the digestive system, when consumed as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. Adding a component to your daily diet that helps your digestive system, such as a yogurt containing probiotics, is a great way to help keep your digestive health in check and make you feel better overall,” she said.
•Thirty percent of Americans are unaware that different strains of probiotics have different benefits1. There are numerous categories and subcategories of probiotics, and each strain may offer different benefits when consumed. “Be a smart shopper and carefully read the claims on product packaging so you understand the potential benefits,” said Glassman. “If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, try visiting the product website or calling the manufacturer; if a product truly contains probiotics, the manufacturer will have information about clinical studies readily available.”
To learn more about the benefits of probiotics, speak with your healthcare provider or nutritionist. To learn more about Keri Glassman and her approach to health and wellness, visit www.nutritiouslife.com.
About The Dannon Company, Inc.
The Dannon Company is America's founding national yogurt company and continually leverages its expertise to develop and market innovative cultured fresh dairy products in the United States. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Dannon has plants in Minster, OH, Fort Worth, TX, and West Jordan, UT and produces approximately 100 different types of flavors, styles and sizes of cultured fresh dairy products. Dannon is a subsidiary of Danone, one of the world's leading producers of packaged foods and beverages, and Dannon is the top-selling brand of yogurt products worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone.
With a strong commitment to high-quality, wholesome, nutritious and innovative products, The Dannon Company is committed to encouraging people to eat a balanced diet and live a healthy lifestyle. In 2010, for the tenth year in a row, Danone was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a worldwide reference for socially responsible businesses. Danone is a recognized leader for its contributions to nutrition and health and was ranked best in class in a 2008 JPMorgan & Insight Investment study about the response of the world's largest food companies to obesity and health-related concerns. This commitment is also illustrated through The Dannon Company's support of the Dannon Institute, an independent, non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting research, education, and communication about the links between nutrition, diet and health. For more information, please visit www.dannon.com.
1 StrategyOne Dannon Consumer Omnibus Survey, May 2011. Survey conducted by StrategyOne among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 Americans ages 18 and older. Interviews were conducted from March 21, 2011 through March 27, 2011 using the field services of Opinionology.
Source: Dannon