Post-pandemic routines could disrupt gut health, reveals Benefiber

11 Jun 2021 --- As the US gets the COVID-19 pandemic under control and society starts to go back to “normal,” many consumers are wary of the impacts this shift will have on various areas of health, including the gut.

This is according to a survey commissioned by prebiotic fiber brand Benefiber, which also reveals that 52 percent of US consumers have experienced an increase in digestive problems in the past year.

“As people readjust to their normal routines, it can take time for their gut to catch up. Increased stress and activities, such as traveling across time zones and dining out after a prolonged absence, disrupt the gut’s comfort as much as your own,” says Emma Venditti, Benefiber’s brand manager. 

The survey, which polled 2,007 US consumers in May, reveals that 59 percent are feeling anxious about resuming their pre-pandemic routines.

Specifically, 35 percent are worried they’ll be making unhealthy choices when eating out, and three in ten consumers are concerned they’ll exercise less once they go back to work or start leaving their home more. 

However, others are feeling more positive about the future, with 37 percent expecting to travel more over the next six months and 44 percent saying they are excited to dine out more.COVID-19 has had a negative impact on many consumers’ lives. 

COVID-19 drives physical and mental unease
Nearly two in three of US consumers say that finding a balance has been challenging over the past year, with roughly half revealing their physical health (52 percent) and mental health (48 percent) has decreased since March 2020.

This is likely related to routine shifts brought on by the pandemic, with four in ten leading a more sedentary lifestyle, sitting for more than six hours a day. Also, a further 53 percent are experiencing a dip in their exercise habits and 52 percent reporting working longer hours.

The pandemic has pushed sleep and stress concerns to the forefront of consumers’ minds, with PharmaLinea flagging rising demand for supplements in this space. 

Other products in this space include PepsiCo’s Soulboost, FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis GOS and Daydream Drinks, which Eat Beyond recently invested in. The survey revealed a disconnect between gut health issues and action. 

Gut health confusion
The survey also delved into current attitudes on gut health, revealing that 71 percent of respondents believe a balanced and healthy gut can help maintain general health and well-being. However, 49 percent are not proactive in managing their digestive health. 

Notably, consumer confusion in this space reinforces the need for additional education about improving gut health. Nearly 60 percent of US Americans reported they are more familiar with probiotics than prebiotics, with a third believing prebiotics are the same as probiotics. 

Furthermore, even though 62 percent of those surveyed believe incorporating a prebiotic fiber supplement can help contribute to overall gut health, only 20 percent have taken a prebiotic within the last year.  

“Prebiotic fiber helps maintain a diverse community of microorganisms in your gut by feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This is why it’s important to incorporate a plant-based prebiotic fiber like Benefiber to support good digestive health,” says Venditti. 

Benefiber, which is owned by GSK Consumer Healthcare, is a clear, taste-free prebiotic fiber that can be added to drinks and or recipes. 

Last year, the National Advertising Division warned GSK about some naturality and satiety claims on Benefiber packaging. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell