Application of evidence on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics by food industry : a descriptive study
Date
2014-10
Authors
Mugambi, Mary N.
Young, Taryn
Blaauw, Renee
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
London : Biomed Central
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study assessed how the food industry applies the knowledge and evidence gained from synbiotics, probiotics or prebiotics research in infants, on the general paediatric population. This study also
explored: what happens after the clinical trials using infant formula are completed, data is published or remains
unpublished; the effectiveness and type of medium the formula manufacturers use to educate consumers on
probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic infant formula.
Findings:
This was a descriptive study (a survey) that used a structured questionnaire. All listed companies that
manufacture and / or market food products with added probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics for infants were
identified and invited to participate. People responsible for research and development were invited to participate in
the survey. A letter of invitation was sent to selected participants and if they expressed willingness to take part in
the study, a questionnaire with a written consent form was sent. Descriptive statistics and associations between
categorical variables were to be tested using a Chi-square test, a p < 0.05 was statistically significant.
A total of 25 major infant formulas, baby food manufacturers were identified, invited to participate in the survey. No
company was willing to participate in the survey for different reasons: failure to take any action 5 (20%), decision to
participate indefinitely delayed 2 (8%), sensitivity of requested information 3 (12%), company does not conduct
clinical trials 1 (4%), company declined without further information 4 (16%), erroneous contact information 6 (24%),
refusal by receptionists to forward telephone calls to appropriate staff 3 (12%), language barrier 3 (12%), company
no longer agrees to market research 1 (4%).
Conclusion:
Due to a poor response rate in this study, no conclusion could be drawn on how the food industry
applies evidence gained through probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics research on infants for the benefit of the
general paediatric population. More information and greater transparency is needed from the infant formula
manufacturers on how they apply the evidence gained from the research on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics
on infants
Description
The original publication is available at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/14/228
Mugambi, M.N., et.al. 2014. Application of evidence on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics by food industry: a descriptive study. BMC Medical Education, 7(754):1-8. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-754.
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Mugambi, M.N., et.al. 2014. Application of evidence on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics by food industry: a descriptive study. BMC Medical Education, 7(754):1-8. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-754.
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Food industry, Infant formula, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Infant formula industry
Citation
Mugambi, M.N., et.al. 2014. Application of evidence on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics by food industry: a descriptive study. BMC Medical Education, 7(754):1-8. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-754.