Determining the Consumption Habits Related to Probiotic Products

Abstract

Probiotic foods are those foods covering the live microorganisms that assist the functioning of the digestive system. Consumption of such foods contributes to the protection of our health and strengthening of the immune system. This research was conducted to determine the consumption status of probiotic products and the level of knowledge consumers have about probiotic products. It was found in this survey that 51.7% of the participants were females, and 48.1% were males, and ages ranged between 18 and 65. It was also found that while 31.4% of males were informed about probiotic products, 61.1% of females were informed. As regards the educational statuses, it was seen that level of knowledge about probiotic products significantly increased with increasing educational level from primary school level to higher levels. Likewise, level of knowledge about probiotic products increases with the increasing economic income. While the rate of individuals consuming probiotic products is 26.0%, the ratio of individuals believing that they benefit from such consumption among those consuming them was found as 79.1%. Furthermore, 77.3% of those consuming probiotic products think that these products are natural. As a result, probiotic products make positive contributions to our health, but their consumption and level of knowledge about them are not at sufficient levels. Probiotic product consumption and level of knowledge increase with the educational levels and economic well-being of individuals. Therefore, it is recommended that studies aiming at measuring the knowledge of the public similar to this study must be carried out periodically.