A survey of almost 180 dietitians across southern and western Europe also identified a “strong belief” in the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for specific health conditions. Most dietitians also recognised the importance of gut microbiota manipulation, advised use of probiotics and prebiotics in their dietary practice, and felt “quite confident” applying the relevant information in their daily work.
However, researchers spotted some misconceptions and advised more guidance and education is necessary – with interest in e-learning high among the subjects.
“Regarding the high interest of the participants in educational initiatives, the analysis of the current data can fuel future efforts to develop high-quality, life-long learning materials about the gut microbiota focused on dietitians’ need for evidence-based guidance in their daily practice,” wrote researchers from Harokopio University (Greece), Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital (Greece) and the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (Netherlands) in Nutrients.
The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) received an unrestricted educational grant from Danone which partially covered one researcher’s work on the study manuscript.
Growing need for professional guidance
Gut microbiota manipulation through dietary components and food choices might offer a novel therapeutic alternative to treatment of several adverse health outcomes. Which is why there’s so much interest in probiotics and prebiotics as gut microbiome modulators to restore gastrointestinal and overall health.
Consumers’ interest in probiotics and prebiotics is growing worldwide. This is driving market development and an urgent need for proper public awareness and professional guidance about the parameters and modulation of the gut microbiota.
Researchers note dietitians have an important role translating scientific evidence about gut microbiota into practical guidance, shaping consumer choices through dietetic practice.
Currently, studies on dietitians’ attitudes and practices around the parameters and modification of the gut microbiota are scarce.
A Europe-wide survey
The new study explored dietitians’ current attitudes and practices around the gut microbiota. Researchers created an online survey to quiz dieticians on gut microbiome parameters and manipulation of the gut microbiota. They also invited pre-graduate dietetic students and other professionals to share their thoughts.
Of the 179 participants who provided full responses, 155 were dietitians, fifteen were pre-graduate dietetic students and nine were other professionals. Most full responses came from people in Southern and Western Europe.
Each survey featured 77 questions with nine sections covering different aspects of gut microbiota. It also included questions on attitudes and beliefs, sources of relevant knowledge, and interest in future educational initiatives, among other areas.
Data collection lasted from 22 April 2021 to 22 July 2021.
Conclusions
Most of the participants reported an average to good level of perceived knowledge in the four survey sections.
In one section subjects were asked to report their beliefs about the beneficial role of prebiotics in specific health conditions. The highest rate of “believe/strongly believe” responses was for improving bowel habits (92%). More than 80% gave “believe/strongly believe” answers on the beneficial role of prebiotics in improving blood lipid and glucose levels. High rates were also recorded for immune system modulation (80%) and satiety (72%). Rates were lower for mineral absorption and risk of allergy.
Dietitians believed more in using prebiotics for blood lipids and glucose management compared to students. But dietitians with more experience were sceptical about using them to manage obesity and heart health compared to people with fewer years in practice.
Most dietitians advised the use of probiotics and prebiotics in clinical practice and for their loved ones. More than 98% were interested in future e-learning initiatives focusing on gut microbiota.
“The implementation of surveys among healthcare professionals regarding other emerging fields in the study of the gut microbiota (e.g., postbiotics, live biotherapeutic products, next-generation probiotics, and candidate prebiotics) will further advance aspects of clinical practice in the future,” concluded the researchers.
Source: Nutrients
2024, 16(15), 2452, doi: 10.3390/nu16152452
“Attitudes and Practices of Dietitians Regarding Gut Microbiota in Health—An Online Survey of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD)”
Authors: E.K. Mitsou, et al.