Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The gut microbiota composition has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBS, suggesting a potential role for probiotics in modulating gut health and alleviating symptoms. This thesis investigates the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and health outcomes in individuals with IBS. The study begins with a comprehensive review of the literature, exploring the current understanding of IBS, gut microbiota, and the potential mechanisms by which probiotics may influence gut health. The literature review highlights the gaps in existing research and sets the stage for the empirical investigation presented in this thesis. Methodologically, this study employs a randomized controlled trial design to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on individuals diagnosed with IBS. Participants are randomized into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group receiving a specific probiotic formulation while the control group receives a placebo. Various measures, including gut microbiota analysis, symptom assessment, and quality of life evaluations, are used to evaluate the outcomes. The findings from this study provide insights into the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and health outcomes in individuals with IBS. Results indicate that probiotic supplementation leads to significant changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition, correlating with improvements in IBS symptoms and quality of life. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of probiotics as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with IBS. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the potential benefits of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota composition and improving health outcomes in individuals with IBS. The implications of these findings extend beyond IBS, offering valuable insights into the broader applications of probiotics in gastrointestinal health. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the observed effects and optimize probiotic interventions for personalized IBS management.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota Composition and Health Outcomes in Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)" aims to investigate the potential benefits of probiotics in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by analyzing their effects on gut microbiota composition and associated health outcomes. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but emerging research suggests that alterations in gut microbiota composition may play a significant role in the development and progression of this condition. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention for IBS due to their ability to modulate gut microbiota composition and function. The research will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on the relationship between probiotics, gut microbiota, and IBS. This review will highlight the mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects on gut microbiota, as well as the potential implications for improving symptoms and overall health outcomes in individuals with IBS. Furthermore, the study will explore the different strains of probiotics that have shown promise in IBS management and investigate the optimal dosages and treatment durations required to achieve beneficial effects. In addition to the literature review, the project will include a research methodology that outlines the experimental design, sampling methods, and data analysis techniques to be employed. The study will involve recruiting individuals diagnosed with IBS and administering a specific probiotic intervention to assess changes in gut microbiota composition and symptom severity over a defined period. Various outcome measures, such as stool samples analysis, symptom questionnaires, and quality of life assessments, will be used to evaluate the impact of probiotics on gut health and overall well-being in individuals with IBS. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the potential role of probiotics in managing IBS by modulating gut microbiota composition. By elucidating the mechanisms through which probiotics exert their effects and identifying specific strains that offer the most benefits, this study aims to contribute to the development of targeted and effective interventions for individuals with IBS. Ultimately, the project seeks to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between probiotics, gut microbiota, and health outcomes in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.