A recent study has uncovered a concerning lack of knowledge surrounding gut health among UK consumers. While half of respondents acknowledged the importance of consuming the correct amount of fibre and plants for gut health, fewer than 14% are actually meeting recommended weekly plant intake. In fact, only 13% of those surveyed knew that 30 plant items per week are necessary for gut health, and nine out of 10 were unaware of the correct amount of fibre required.
To maintain optimal gut health, diversity is key. It is recommended that we consume 30 different plant items from the six main plant groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices. However, according to the study, cost, time and taste preferences are the primary reasons why Brits are not meeting their suggested weekly plant intake.
The confusion surrounding gut health extends beyond plant and fibre consumption. Less than one in five respondents understood the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, with nearly 40% identifying yogurt as a source of prebiotics. Prebiotics, a type of fibre that feeds probiotics, cannot be digested by the human body. Meanwhile, probiotics are good bacteria that play a crucial role in human health.
Moreover, the study revealed that many respondents were not able to recognize symptoms of poor gut health beyond irregular bowel movements and bloating, such as sugar cravings, poor mood or trouble concentrating.
Kara Landau, Prebiotic Dietitian at Gut Feeling Consultancy and nutrition advisor to the Global Prebiotic Association, voiced her concern about raising awareness of gut health. She stated, “Learning the correct food habits to adopt can make a real difference to your health, and doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. If people understood the importance of prebiotics over probiotics in their diet, that would help their gut health enormously.”
Despite the potential benefits of incorporating diverse prebiotics and probiotics into diets, allowable health claims are limiting the ability of food brands to educate consumers. According to Landau, current restraints prevent food companies from promoting beneficial ingredients, hindering consumers’ ability to understand the true benefits of these products. More progressive education on gut health ingredients could lead to better health outcomes and a healthier population.