Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of functional food products that incorporate probiotics for the purpose of improving gut health. The research is motivated by the increasing awareness of the importance of gut health in overall well-being and the potential benefits of probiotics in promoting a healthy gut microbiota. The study aims to investigate the formulation and evaluation of functional food products enriched with probiotics, with the goal of enhancing their effectiveness in improving gut health. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. The literature review in Chapter 2 explores existing research on probiotics, gut health, functional foods, and their impact on human health. Ten key areas are identified and analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in this study, outlining the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. Various aspects of the methodology, including the selection of probiotic strains, food product formulation, and evaluation techniques, are discussed in depth. The chapter also covers ethical considerations and potential limitations of the study. In Chapter 4, the findings of the research are presented and discussed. The effectiveness of different probiotic strains in enhancing gut health through functional food products is evaluated, and the impact of formulation parameters on probiotic viability and functionality is examined. The results are analyzed in relation to the research objectives, providing insights into the potential benefits of probiotic-enriched functional foods for improving gut health. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research. The study contributes to the field of food science and technology by providing valuable insights into the development of functional food products incorporating probiotics for improved gut health. The potential of these products to positively impact human health and well-being is explored, laying the groundwork for further advancements in the field.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of Functional Food Products Incorporating Probiotics for Improved Gut Health" aims to investigate the formulation and production of functional food products that incorporate probiotics to enhance gut health. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have been shown to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being. By incorporating probiotics into food products, consumers can easily incorporate these beneficial microorganisms into their daily diet. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to identify the current trends and advancements in the field of functional foods and probiotics. This review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the potential benefits of probiotics on gut health and overall wellness. The study will then focus on formulating food products that are not only palatable but also have the ability to deliver a sufficient amount of probiotics to confer health benefits. Various food matrices and probiotic strains will be explored to determine the most effective combinations for optimal probiotic delivery and survival in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to formulation, the project will also investigate the production processes required to incorporate probiotics into food products while maintaining their viability and functionality. Factors such as temperature, pH, and storage conditions will be carefully controlled to ensure the probiotics remain active and effective throughout the shelf life of the product. Furthermore, the research will evaluate the sensory characteristics of the developed functional food products to ensure consumer acceptance and marketability. Consumer perception studies will be conducted to gauge the overall liking, purchase intent, and perceived health benefits associated with the probiotic-fortified food products. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the development of innovative functional food products that can improve gut health and overall well-being. By harnessing the potential of probiotics in food products, this project seeks to offer consumers convenient and enjoyable ways to support their digestive health and enhance their quality of life.