Researchers in Serbia asked 1,625 parents about their knowledge and use of probiotics for young children. They found that while most parents have tried probiotics, many don’t understand important details like which specific probiotic strains work best or how they interact with medicines. About half of parents weren’t even sure if probiotics actually work. The study shows that parents with more education and healthcare backgrounds tend to know more about probiotics. Doctors and pediatricians need to do a better job explaining to parents how, when, and why to use probiotics safely and effectively.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Do parents in Serbia understand how to properly use probiotics for their young children, and what factors affect their knowledge and beliefs?
  • Who participated: 1,625 parents of children aged 1-7 years old in Serbia who answered an online survey. About 62.5% had used probiotics for their children in the past year.
  • Key finding: Most parents (median score of 7 out of 10) have only basic knowledge about probiotics, and about half doubt whether they actually work. Parents with higher education and healthcare jobs knew significantly more about probiotics than others.
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering probiotics for your child, talk to your pediatrician rather than relying on what you might read online or hear from friends. Your doctor can help you choose the right type and explain how it might interact with any medicines your child takes.

The Research Details

Researchers created an online survey and shared it through social media to reach parents of young children in Serbia. The survey asked parents about their knowledge of probiotics (scored 0-10), their attitudes toward them (scored 7-35), and how they actually use them. This type of study, called a cross-sectional study, takes a snapshot of what people know and do at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years.

The researchers used a special statistical method called logistic regression to figure out which factors made parents more likely to have good knowledge and positive attitudes. They looked at things like education level, whether parents worked in healthcare, how long they’d been using probiotics, and whether they paid attention to which specific probiotic strain they were using.

This approach is useful for understanding what parents know and believe, but it can’t prove that one thing causes another—it just shows what tends to happen together.

Understanding what parents know about probiotics is important because they make health decisions for their children. If parents don’t understand how probiotics work or which ones to use, they might give their kids the wrong type, use them incorrectly, or miss out on benefits when probiotics could actually help. This study helps doctors understand what information parents are missing so they can provide better guidance.

The study included a large number of parents (1,625), which makes the results more reliable. However, because the survey was shared through social media, it may have reached parents who are more interested in health topics than the general population. The study was conducted in Serbia, so results might be different in other countries with different healthcare systems and access to information. The researchers used an anonymous survey, which is good because parents might answer more honestly without worrying about judgment.

What the Results Show

The study found that Serbian parents have only moderate knowledge about probiotics. On a scale of 0-10, the average parent scored 7, meaning they knew some basic facts but were missing important details. When comparing parents who had used probiotics in the past year to those who hadn’t, there were big differences in both knowledge and attitudes—those who used probiotics knew more and had more positive views about them.

About 75% of parents said they used probiotics alongside antibiotics, and 69% used them for stomach and digestive problems. These are actually appropriate uses, which suggests parents are using them for reasonable reasons. However, about 50% of parents expressed doubt about whether probiotics actually work, even though they were using them.

The biggest knowledge gaps were about strain-specific effects (understanding that different probiotic strains do different things) and drug interactions (how probiotics might affect other medicines). Parents with higher education levels, those working in healthcare, and those who had used probiotics for longer periods showed significantly better knowledge and more positive attitudes.

The study revealed that parental education level was one of the strongest predictors of probiotic knowledge. Parents with more schooling tended to understand probiotics better. Similarly, parents who worked in healthcare fields had better knowledge, probably because they had access to medical information through their jobs. Interestingly, parents who specifically thought about which probiotic strain to use also tended to have better overall knowledge, suggesting that paying attention to product details helps parents learn more.

This study adds to growing research showing that many parents lack detailed knowledge about supplements and probiotics for children. Previous studies in other countries have found similar gaps in understanding. This Serbian study is valuable because it shows these knowledge gaps exist in Europe too, not just in other regions. The finding that healthcare workers know more aligns with other research showing that professional training helps people understand health topics better.

The survey was shared through social media, which means it probably reached parents who are more interested in health and more connected online than the general population. This could make the knowledge levels seem higher than they actually are across all Serbian parents. The study only looked at one point in time, so we can’t tell if parents’ knowledge improved or got worse over time. The study was done in Serbia, so the results might not apply to parents in other countries with different healthcare systems and access to information. Finally, the survey was anonymous, which is good for honesty, but it means researchers couldn’t follow up with parents to ask clarifying questions.

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about giving your child probiotics, talk to your pediatrician first (moderate confidence). Your doctor can explain whether probiotics might help your child’s specific situation, which type to use, and how long to use them. This is especially important if your child is taking antibiotics or other medicines, because probiotics can interact with them. Don’t rely only on what you read online or what friends recommend—professional medical guidance is important for your child’s safety.

Parents of young children (ages 1-7) should pay attention to this research, especially if they’re considering probiotics or already using them. Healthcare providers and pediatricians should use these findings to improve how they talk to parents about probiotics. Parents with less formal education might benefit especially from clearer explanations from their doctors. This research is less relevant to parents of older children or adults, though some principles may apply.

If probiotics are appropriate for your child, you might notice benefits within 1-2 weeks for digestive issues, though some effects may take longer. However, the timeline depends on why you’re using them and which type you choose. Your pediatrician can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your child’s specific situation.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track when you give your child probiotics and note any changes in digestion, energy level, or illness frequency. Record the specific probiotic brand and strain name (if available) so you can discuss it with your pediatrician and see if certain types work better for your child.
  • Before starting probiotics, use the app to create a reminder to schedule a conversation with your pediatrician. Write down your questions about probiotics in the app so you don’t forget to ask them at your next visit. After your doctor’s guidance, set up a daily reminder to give probiotics at the same time each day.
  • Use the app to track your child’s digestive health, illness frequency, and any side effects over 4-8 weeks. Note the specific probiotic product you’re using. Share this information with your pediatrician at follow-up visits to see if the probiotics are actually helping and whether you should continue, change, or stop using them.

This research describes what parents in Serbia know and believe about probiotics—it does not provide medical advice. Probiotics are not regulated the same way as medicines in most countries, and their safety and effectiveness vary by product and strain. Before giving your child any probiotic supplement, especially if your child has a medical condition, takes medicines, or has a weakened immune system, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. This is particularly important for infants under 1 year old. Never use probiotics as a replacement for medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. The findings from this Serbian study may not apply to your specific situation or location.