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The Socio-Economic Impact Assessment conducted by IPA Europe shows that probiotic use could contribute to better health outcomes while saving billions of euros for public healthcare systems each year.
in potential yearly savings for EU healthcare systems, while also delivering meaningful improvements in citizensʼ quality of life and economic productivity
supported by robust scientific evidence are assessed in the SEA, which quantifies the impact of probiotic use across these seven areas
want clear label on probiotic food and food supplements, and the 57% do not feel well informed that a food product contains probiotics
would benefit from an
EU-wide definition of “probiotics” and a harmonised framework, enhancing legal clarity, consumer trust, and innovation
Probiotics can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhoea following antibiotic use, lowering complications, hospital stays and associated healthcare costs linked to gut dysbiosis.
Probiotics can reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of respiratory infections, decreasing the need for antibiotics and limiting days absent from work or school.
Live probiotics improve lactose digestion and significantly reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain, offering a better quality of life and dietary flexibility.
Probiotic use can significantly increase the success rate of treatments for bacterial vaginosis and prevent recurrences, improving reproductive health and reducing long-term medical costs.
Probiotics improve bowel regularity and relieve chronic constipation, particularly in the elderly, reducing related health complications and the burden of care in clinical and home settings.
Probiotics help balance the oral microbiota by inhibiting harmful plaque formation, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries, periodontitis, and related dental care costs.
Through the gut-brain axis, probiotics can alleviate symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, helping to improve psychological resilience and overall mental well-being.
Probiotics can reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) by up to 37% in adults and 53% in children, potential annual savings of €5.9-€8.5 billion in healthcare costs.
For each 1% improvement in respiratoty health through probiotic use, the EU could save €1.2-€4.1 billion in yearly savings by reducing infections, medical visits and productivity losses.
Probiotic strains with lactase activity can alleviate lactose intolerance symptoms by up to 50%, potentially saving €7.0–€9.5 billion annually through improved dietary tolerance and reduced medical use.
By supporting balanced vaginal microbiota and preventing bacterial vaginosis and recurrent infections, probiotics could reduce EU healthcare costs by €1.9–€3.9 billion each year.
Probiotics improve constipation and transit time, particularly in older adults, generating up to €1.4 billion in annual savings and improving quality of life.
Probiotics help reduce plaque, gum inflammation, and periodontal disease. For each 1% improvement in oral health through probiotic use, the EU could save €1.4–€1.9 billion annually.
Evidence shows probiotics can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Recognising these benefits could lead to up to €5.9 billion in yearly savings.
Probiotics can support public health by contributing to the management of common health conditions and strengthening existing care pathways, helping to build more resilient and efficient health systems while improving quality of life.
Even modest health improvements can result in lower healthcare spending and fewer productivity losses, making probiotics a cost-effective approach for improving health system sustainability.
Regulatory clarity would facilitate research innovation and cross-border consistency, supporting informed use and market development.
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