Brussels, 11 June 2026
The new platform “Probiotic Value Insights” brings together scientific evidence, socio economic data and educational resources to explore the role of probiotics across key health areas in Europe. Developed within the framework of the Socio-Economic Assessment (SEA) commissioned by IPA Europe, the platform is designed to support informed dialogue among policymakers, scientists, healthcare stakeholders, industry representatives and consumers.
From economic sustainability to productivity and quality of life, the data opens new perspectives on the relationship between probiotics and public health
What if small health improvements could deliver big societal benefits?
The analysis indicates that even a 1% improvement in probiotic use across seven major health areas could generate at least €10 billion in annual socio-economic benefits through reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. The assessment was conducted using recognised OECD and EU Better Regulation methodologies.
Probiotics are among the most widely available microbiome-based interventions today and are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating benefits in specific health applications. The study focuses on health areas that place a substantial burden on European healthcare systems, including gut health, immune function, women’s health, lactose digestion, oral and respiratory health, and mental well-being through the gut-brain axis.
“The value of these findings lies not only in the scale of the potential economic benefits, but also in the opportunity to move towards a better approach to health and prevention” – said Rosanna Pecere, Executive Director of IPA Europe. “Europe already has a strong scientific and industrial foundation in probiotics. The challenge is to translate this leadership more effectively into public health outcomes, consumer understanding, and a regulatory framework that reflects current scientific knowledge.”
The full Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, including key findings and policy recommendations, is now available on the dedicated online platform: Probiotic Value Insights (probioticvalueinsights.com). The SEA initiative envisions a future in which microbiome-based prevention becomes an increasingly important component of European healthcare, helping to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare costs.
About IPA Europe
IPA Europe is the European chapter of IPA, the International Probiotics Association; it was established in Brussels in 2015. The members of IPA Europe are Companies directly engaged in Europe in the manufacture of probiotic cultures or probiotic foods, supplements, nutritional
or therapeutic products. With the partner organisation IPA, they reach a platform of more than 120 Companies in 29 countries.
