Australians who rejoin society after the ban are looking for food containing probiotics to support their immune systems, new research shows.
A study commissioned by global life science company Chr. Hansen showed that consumers were concerned about their immune system support and were actively looking for ways to do this through food.
The study found that while most consumers knew that probiotics could support intestinal health, they did not know that probiotics could have a positive impact on immunity support in up to 80% of the body's immune cells.
An FMCG-Gurus study conducted last month combined quantitative research with 1000 participants and qualitative questioning of focus groups. The results included:
- 72% of the participants were concerned about their immune health – mainly regarding their own health and well-being;
- Almost half of the respondents indicated that current immunity concerns have made them aware of general immune health.
- At this point, more than a quarter of the participants turned to eating more often to support their immune system.
- 71% of participants associate probiotics with supporting their immune health.
Chr. Commercial development by Hansen and Senior Scientific Manager for Fresh Dairy Products, Dorte Eskesen, said while clinical studies have long shown that certain probiotic strains can boost the immune system and support digestive health, consumer understanding is now gaining research a.
"The fact that up to 80% of our immune cells are in the gut has been well received by consumers who increasingly view functional foods as a means of maintaining optimal health," said Eskesen.
The post-immune system, which is a focus for post-closure consumers, first appeared in Retail World Magazine.
