Analysis of probiotic consumption habits among slovenian population

Povzetek Uvod: Probiotiki so znani kot živi mikroorganizmi, ki imajo dokazano pozitivne učinke na zdravje posameznika, če so le ti aplicirani v zadostnih količinah. Številne študije kažejo na pozitivne učinke probiotikov na zdravje ljudi v vseh starostnih obdobjih in pri raznih motnjah oziroma obolenjih. Z našo raziskavo smo želeli ugotoviti, kako so Slovenci ozaveščeni o pozitivnih učinkih probiotikov in v kolikšni meri jih uporabljajo. Metode: Pri izdelavi magistrskega dela smo uporabili kvantitativno metodologijo. Podatke smo pridobili s pomočjo anketnega vprašalnika, ki je vseboval 23 vprašanj. Zbrali smo vzorec 400 prostovoljcev preko socialnih omrežij, neustrezno izpolnjenih anket je bilo 421. Rezultati: Z analizo pridobljenih podatkov smo ugotovili, da Slovenci redno uživajo probiotične izdelke in so tudi dobro ozaveščeni o pozitivnih učinkih uživanja probiotikov. Anketiranci želijo v prihodnosti izvedeti več informacij o probiotikih. Razprava: Za izvedbo magistrskega dela smo si postavili hipotezi, ki smo ju delno sprejeli. Delno obstaja statistično značilna razlika v poznavanju probiotikov glede na stopnjo izobrazbe in delno ženske pogosteje uporabljajo probiotike kot moški. Sklep: Za uravnavanje in vzdrževanje ustrezne črevesne mikrobiote lahko pripomore uživanje zadostnih količin probiotičnih izdelkov. V prihodnosti pričakujemo izboljšano ozaveščenost ljudi o koristnih učinkih probiotikov v obliki smernic in večjo uporabo in ponudbo probiotičnih izdelkov ter razvoj novih probiotičnih prehranskih dopolnil in zdravil za ohranjanje zdravja.Abstract Introduction: Probiotics are known as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Numerous studies are showing positive effects of probiotics on human health at all ages and on various disorders or diseases. With our research we wanted to find out how the Slovenian population is aware of all the positive effects of probiotics and to what extent they use them. Methods: We used a quantitative methodology in the master\u27s thesis. Data was obtained using a survey containing 23 questions. We were able to collect 400 volunteers through social networks. There were 421 improperly completed surveys. Results: During the research, we found that Slovenians are consuming probiotics regularly and are also well aware of the positive effects of consuming probiotics. Respondents want to learn even more about probiotic products in the future. Discussion: During the research, we set two hypotheses which we partially accepted. In part, there is a statistically significant difference in knowledge of probiotics according to education level and women are more likely to use probiotics then men. Conclusion: Consumption of sufficient amounts of probiotic products can help to regulate and maintain the proper intestinal microbiota. In the future, we expect improved awareness of the beneficial effects of probiotics in the form of guidelines and greater use and supply of probiotic products and the development of new probiotic supplements and medicines to maintain health