Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) health significantly impacts overall well-being. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have been associated with improvements in digestion, immunity, and gut microbiota balance. Despite evidence supporting their role in managing conditions like bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and antibiotic-associated symptoms, awareness and clinical use of probiotics remain limited in many populations, including Saudi Arabia. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between probiotic consumption and gastrointestinal health outcomes among adults in Saudi Arabia, and to explore factors influencing probiotic intake. Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire targeting adults across Saudi Arabia. Data on demographics, dietary habits, probiotic use, and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected and analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 442 participants, the majority were young adults (18–30 years), female, and students. Most (87%) had heard of probiotics, though only 16.6% used them regularly. Yogurt and pickled foods were common sources; supplements were less used (13.8%). A significant association was observed between frequent probiotic use and better self-reported digestive health (χ² = 20.93, p = 0.013), though this did not persist in multivariate analysis. Employment status and higher fruit/vegetable intake were significant predictors of probiotic use (OR = 1.60 and OR = 2.08, respectively). Conclusion: Although awareness of probiotics is high, regular usage is limited and influenced by lifestyle and dietary behaviors. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health initiatives to improve probiotic literacy and promote their integration into dietary strategies for digestive health support.

Key words: Probiotics, Gastrointestinal health, Digestive symptoms, Cross-sectional study, Saudi Arabia, Public health, Dietary behavior.