Researchers surveyed 286 people in Saudi Arabia to understand what they know about probiotics—the helpful bacteria in foods like yogurt that support digestive health. They found that most people have heard of probiotics and think they’re beneficial, but many don’t know much about them. Cost was a major barrier preventing people from using probiotic products. The study reveals that while interest in probiotics is growing in Saudi Arabia, people need better education and more affordable options to actually use them regularly.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much people in Saudi Arabia know about probiotics, what they think about them, and whether they actually use them
  • Who participated: 286 adults living in Saudi Arabia, mostly women (79%) and people over 30 years old. Participants were surveyed between July and October 2024
  • Key finding: About 65% of people had moderate knowledge about probiotics, and 54.5% said they use them. Yogurt was the most recognized source (95% knew it contains probiotics). However, 56% said they didn’t know enough about probiotics, and high prices prevented many from buying them
  • What it means for you: If you live in Saudi Arabia, you’re likely aware that probiotics exist and are good for you, but you might not know exactly how to use them or afford them. Better education and cheaper options could help more people benefit from probiotics

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of what people knew and did at one point in time (July to October 2024). They created a questionnaire called ‘Public Knowledge and Perception of Probiotics’ and asked 286 Saudi adults to answer questions about their awareness, beliefs, and use of probiotics. The researchers calculated that they needed at least 269 people to get reliable results, and they ended up with 286 participants. They used statistical software to analyze the answers and look for patterns, such as whether younger or older people were more likely to use probiotics.

Cross-sectional studies are useful for understanding what’s happening right now in a population. This approach helps public health officials understand the current situation with probiotics in Saudi Arabia so they can plan better education programs and policies. By asking about knowledge, beliefs, and actual use, the researchers could identify the biggest barriers people face

The study had a good sample size (286 people) and used proper statistical methods. However, most participants were women (79%), so the results might not represent men’s views equally. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, so findings may not apply to other countries. The researchers used a structured questionnaire, which is a reliable way to collect information, though people sometimes give answers they think are expected rather than completely honest answers

What the Results Show

About 65% of participants had moderate awareness of probiotics, with an average knowledge score of 5.2 out of 10. Yogurt was by far the most recognized source of probiotics, with 95% of people knowing it contains these helpful bacteria. More than half of participants (54.5%) reported that they actually use probiotic products. When asked about their overall perception, people were generally positive about probiotics, giving them an average score of 3.74 out of 5. However, significant barriers emerged: 56.2% of people said they didn’t have enough knowledge about probiotics, and cost was a major problem, with participants rating the expense as 3.28 out of 5 as a barrier to use.

An important finding was that 71.2% of people preferred natural sources of probiotics (like yogurt and fermented foods) over supplements or pills. The study also found that probiotic use was significantly linked to age, gender, and monthly income. Younger people and those with higher incomes were more likely to use probiotics. People with more education were also more likely to be aware of and use probiotics. These patterns suggest that education level and affordability play major roles in whether people actually use probiotics

This is one of the first studies to look at probiotic awareness in Saudi Arabia specifically. In developed countries like North America and Western Europe, probiotics are much more widely used and discussed. This study shows that Saudi Arabia is catching up in terms of awareness, but lags behind in actual use due to cost and knowledge gaps. The preference for natural sources over supplements is interesting and may reflect cultural values about food and health in Saudi Arabia

The study had several limitations worth noting. The sample was heavily female (79%), so it may not accurately represent what men think about probiotics. The study only looked at one point in time, so we can’t tell if awareness is increasing or decreasing over time. People were asked to remember and report their own behavior, which can be inaccurate. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, so results may not apply to other countries or cultures. Finally, the researchers couldn’t prove that one thing caused another—for example, they found that income and probiotic use are connected, but couldn’t prove that higher income causes people to use more probiotics

The Bottom Line

If you live in Saudi Arabia and are interested in probiotics, start with affordable natural sources like yogurt and fermented foods (confidence level: high). If you want to try supplements, talk to a healthcare provider first to make sure they’re right for you (confidence level: moderate). Look for educational resources to better understand which probiotics might help with your specific health needs (confidence level: moderate). These recommendations are based on what this study found, but individual needs vary

This research is most relevant to people living in Saudi Arabia who are interested in digestive health or considering probiotic products. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and policymakers in Saudi Arabia should pay attention to these findings to improve health education and make probiotics more affordable. People in other Middle Eastern countries with similar cultures and economies might also find this relevant. However, if you live in a country where probiotics are already widely available and affordable, this study may be less directly applicable to you

If you start using probiotics regularly, you might notice improvements in digestion within 2-4 weeks, though some people see changes sooner. For other potential benefits like immune support, it may take 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Remember that probiotics work best as part of a healthy overall diet and lifestyle, not as a quick fix

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily probiotic intake by logging which probiotic foods or supplements you consume (yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables, supplements) and note any digestive changes you observe in a daily journal within the app
  • Start by adding one serving of yogurt or another natural probiotic source to your daily routine, then gradually explore other fermented foods. Use the app to set reminders for consistent consumption and track which sources work best for your body
  • Monitor digestive comfort, energy levels, and overall well-being weekly. Track which probiotic sources you prefer and whether natural or supplement forms work better for you. Note any cost-saving strategies you discover and share them with the app community

This study provides information about probiotic awareness and use in Saudi Arabia but does not constitute medical advice. Probiotics may not be suitable for everyone, especially people with weakened immune systems, serious illnesses, or certain medical conditions. Before starting any probiotic supplement, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health situation. The findings of this study are specific to the Saudi population and may not apply to other regions or cultures. Individual results with probiotics vary, and this research cannot guarantee specific health outcomes for any individual.