# Attitudes and Practices of Dietitians Regarding Gut Microbiota in Health—An Online Survey of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD)

## TL;DR

This study explores how dietitians across Europe view and use gut microbiota in their health practices, finding strong support for probiotics and prebiotics but also some misconceptions.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into dietitians' attitudes and practices regarding gut microbiota and identifies educational needs in this area.

## Key findings

- Most participants believe probiotics and prebiotics should be included in dietary guidelines.
- Dietitians generally feel confident applying gut microbiota knowledge in practice.
- Participants expressed interest in future e-learning initiatives on the topic.

## Abstract

Explorations of the current attitudes and practices of dietitians regarding the gut microbiota in health are scarce. In this online survey, we assessed the attitudes and practices of dietitians across Europe concerning gut microbiome parameters and the manipulation of the gut microbiota. Pre-graduate dietetic students and other professionals were also invited to participate. The potential interest and preferences of the participants for future educational initiatives about the gut microbiota and the educational resources used were further explored. A total of 179 full responses were recorded (dietitians, n = 155), mainly from the southern and western regions. Most of the participants (>90.0%) believed that probiotics and prebiotics have a place in nutritional practice and that fermented foods with live microbial cultures should be a part of food-based dietary guidelines. A strong belief in the beneficial roles of probiotics and prebiotics in some health situations was also reported among the participants. Most of the dietitians recognised the importance of gut microbiota manipulation and advised the use of probiotics and prebiotics in dietary practice, and they felt quite confident applying the relevant information in their daily practice. Nevertheless, misconceptions were identified, and further guideline-oriented education is necessary. The interest in future e-learning initiatives was high among the participants, and the sources of knowledge, educative formats, and potential areas for further educational efforts were indicated.