-Six-market study finds strong microbiome awareness and gut-friendly everyday habits help place Japan at the top of the new global ranking-

 

TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2026 /B2PRESS/ -- Japan is leading the way in gut health, according to a new Gut Health Economy report launched today by PrecisionBiotics (R), part of Danish biosolutions company Novonesis.

 

The report, which coincides with Health Promotion Month, explores the impact of gut health on people, society and the economy, drawing on new consumer research and expert insights to identify the opportunities for businesses to lean into wellbeing for economic progress. Over 3,000 adults from Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Canada were interviewed together with world leaders in gut health including Professor Hidekazu Suzuki from Tokai University School of Medicine. The results were collated for the inaugural Gut Health Index, with Japan achieving the highest overall score reflecting strong consumer awareness and understanding, coupled with gut friendly everyday habits.

 

Professor Hidekazu Suzuki, Tokai University School of Medicine said: “Japan offers a valuable lesson; gut health has become woven into everyday life, contributing to a longer healthy lifespan. The concept of ishoku-dogen - the idea that food and health are closely interconnected - has long been embedded in Japanese culture and everyday life. Together with traditional cuisine, fermented foods, dietary diversity and functional foods, this has fostered a practical approach to prevention and healthy longevity that may contribute to longer, healthier lives.”

 

Professor Suzuki’s view is reinforced by the research. Almost three-quarters (72%) of Japanese consumers understand what the microbiome is - the community of trillions of microorganisms found throughout the body, particularly in the gut - compared with only half of Canadians. More than eight in ten also recognise the importance of good gut health to overall health. This understanding is reflected in everyday habits; 84% of Japanese workers prioritise taking a regular lunch break, compared with just 20% of workers in Germany.

 

Making the connection between gut health and overall health is more pronounced in Japan than any other country and the reason could be age related.

 

“Gut health is becoming increasingly important in Japan’s super-aged society. In older adults, the gut is not only related to digestion, but also nutrition, immune function, frailty, sarcopenia, inflammation, mood, sleep and cognitive health.” Said professor Suzuki.

 

The potential benefits of better gut health extend far beyond healthy ageing. With a growing body of scientific evidence linking the gut microbiome to mental wellbeing, metabolism, stress and sleep, supporting better gut health could also help create a healthier, more productive workforce. With more than 68 million people employed across Japan, the opportunity to unlock this potential is significant.

 

The launch comes ahead of the RIKEN–International Society of Microbiota meeting at the University of Tokyo next week (24th September), which will bring together international experts to discuss advances in microbiota science, clinical research and its potential role in supporting health and longevity. The Gut Health Economy report calls for greater collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, employers and industry to build public understanding, strengthen preventative health strategies and make gut-friendly choices easier in everyday life.

 

“Gut health has reached an important turning point,” said Radwa Gamal, Region Marketing Head at PrecisionBiotics. “We now understand that the microbiome influences much more than digestion, affecting everything from immunity and mental wellbeing to healthy ageing and productivity. Japan demonstrates what is possible when science, education and industry come together. Its leadership offers valuable lessons for other countries, while creating an opportunity for Japan to continue advancing microbiome science and shape the future of preventative health.”

 

The Gut Health Economy report and Global Gut Health Index launch today and can be accessed at precisionbiotics.ie/the-gut-health-economy



About PrecisionBiotics

Over 20 years ago, PrecisionBiotics was founded by scientists who believe the human microbiome contains the answers to many modern health problems. Our scientists began researching thousands of bacterial cultures together with experts from one of the world's leading centres of microbiome research, the APC Microbiome Institute. Since its inception, we have been dedicated to understanding unique bacterial strains and their role in specific areas of health. Today, we are part of Novonesis working with human health centres of excellence across the world. We have access to the world’s largest collection of bacterial strains and thousands of enzymes that help further our dedication to find sustainable solutions for future generations. Our unique heritage and expertise allow us to look for one-in-a-trillion solutions and empower people to live healthier, happier lives.

 

Source: PrecisionBiotics

 

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