International Microbiota Observatory: second edition

Awareness of the importance of the microbiota for health is starting to grow, but there is still a long way to go. Healthcare professionals have a key role to play in education and information!

About this article

Created 27 June 2024

Updated 29 October 2024

The microbiota, made up of trillions of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.), lives in our intestines, on our skin, and in our mouths, noses, and lungs. These organisms play a crucial role in our well-being by facilitating digestion, stimulating our immune system, and protecting us against infectious diseases. Beyond these functions, however, the microbiota also influences our mood, our metabolism, and even our longevity. Alteration of this delicate balance, often due to factors such as diet, lifestyle or medication, can lead to major health problems, ranging from gastrointestinal disease to cardiovascular disorders and depression. Therefore, maintaining a healthy microbiota in all these areas of the body is essential for our overall health and well-being.

For the second year running, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute has commissioned Ipsos to conduct a major international survey on the microbiota: the International Microbiota Observatory. Do people know more about microbiotas this year? Has their knowledge of the role and functions of the microbiota improved? What role do healthcare professionals play in passing on information about the microbiota to their patients?

The survey was conducted by Ipsos among 7,500 people in 11 countries (France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Finland, Morocco, United States, Brazil, Mexico, China, and Vietnam). In each country, the sample surveyed is representative of the country's population aged 18 and over in terms of gender, age, occupation, and region. The survey was conducted over the Internet between January 26 and February 26, 2024.