From Scientific Benefit
to Socio-Economic Assessment
to Socio-Economic Assessment
An initiative of
An initiative of
This platform provides a central resource for exploring the role of probiotics in some of the most prevalent health areas affecting consumers across Europe. It offers practical tools to navigate the seven health domains assessed in the socio-economic impact assessment, bringing together scientific evidence, key references, data visualisations and policy insights in an accessible and interactive way.
Each section presents the available evidence on the contribution of probiotics to public health, including areas such as gut health, respiratory health, women’s health, oral health, lactose digestion, bowel function and the gut–brain axis.
The Socio-Economic Assessment (SEA), commissioned by IPA Europe and carried out by an independent expert using OECD and EU Better Regulation methodologies, highlights the potential economic value that broader probiotic use could generate for European citizens and healthcare systems. The analysis indicates that even modest improvements in health outcomes may translate into substantial savings through reduced healthcare costs, improved productivity and wider societal benefits.
This platform brings together the full socio-economic assessment, executive summaries, policy recommendations, scientific resources, videos, infographics and media materials. Its purpose is to support an informed and constructive dialogue among policymakers, scientists, healthcare stakeholders, industry representatives and consumers on the future of probiotics in Europe and the broader relationship between nutrition, prevention and public health.
Microorganisms are essential to life and to our food systems. Traditional food cultures — the microbes used in fermentation — give us products such as yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi and other fermented foods enjoyed across Europe and worldwide.
Probiotics, however, are more specific. Defined by the WHO and FAO as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host,” probiotics are scientifically characterised strains supported by evidence of safety and health benefits. They may be traditional strains with a long history of use, or innovative products emerging from advances in microbiome science and nutrition research.
Growing scientific evidence highlights the role of probiotics in supporting gut health, digestion, immune function and overall well-being. At the same time, consumer interest in probiotics continues to grow across Europe. Yet the EU still lacks a harmonised framework for probiotic foods and food supplements, creating uncertainty for consumers, authorities and industry alike.
For consumers, access to clear and reliable information on probiotics supports informed choices and greater awareness of the relationship between nutrition and well-being.
For healthcare systems, even modest improvements in health outcomes could help reduce the burden associated with common conditions and generate significant socio-economic benefits.
Probiotics also matter for innovation and competitiveness in Europe. Advances in microbiome research are opening new opportunities for the development of science-based food and supplement solutions. A clearer and more harmonised EU framework could support responsible innovation, strengthen consumer confidence and help European industry remain competitive globally.
Ultimately, probiotics represent an opportunity to better connect food, prevention and health — contributing to a more informed, resilient and health-conscious society.
IPA EUROPE – Project Content
r.pecere@ipaeurope.org
Clorofilla – Media Information
info@clorofillaweb.it