Health benefits and health claims of probiotics: bridging science and marketing

TLDR

Probiotic health claims are evaluated by the EFSA Panel, but restrictions on clinical endpoints highlight the need for validated gut and immune biomarkers to link to disease risk reduction. The study calls for clear criteria to design and evaluate future probiotic research and for an open dialogue among scientists, regulators, industry, and consumers to bridge science and marketing. Despite extensive research on probiotic benefits, all evaluated claim applications have received negative opinions.

Abstract

Health claims for probiotics are evaluated by the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority. Despite a substantial amount of basic and clinical research on the beneficial effects of probiotics, all of the evaluated claim applications thus far have received a negative opinion. With the restrictions on the use of clinical endpoints, validated biomarkers for gut health and immune health in relation to reduction in disease risk are needed. Clear-cut criteria for design as well as evaluation of future studies are needed. An open dialogue between basic and clinical scientists, regulatory authorities, food and nutrition industry, and consumers could bridge the gap between science and marketing of probiotics.