In News

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

Some 86 per cent of British adults have suffered from some form of gastrointestinal (GI) problem or ailment in the last year, according to new research from Mintel.

The research also revealed that the cause of these GI problems is rarely an intolerance or virus, and stress is seen as the most likely contributing factor. Some 30 per cent of adults who have experienced GI issues in the last 12 months attributed them to stress. The next most likely culprit is poor diet (26 per cent), followed by lack of sleep (17 per cent), alcohol consumption (14 per cent) and viruses (14 per cent). Women are more likely to experience GI problems than men (88 per cent compared to 83 per cent).

Jack Duckett, senior consumer lifestyles analyst at Mintel, said: €A high proportion of consumers experience gastrointestinal issues and the spike in stomach ailments amongst women can be partly attributed to their experience of menstrual cycle-related symptoms. However, it is also linked to women largely remaining the main care providers for children, with the increased exposure to children consequently rendering women more susceptible to germs they may be carrying.€

Despite the high proportion of adults experiencing GI ailments, just one-third buy GI remedies. Over one-third (38 per cent) of those who experience GI problems say they don't always know which remedy to use for the problem they are experiencing.