Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. The complex nature of IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, can significantly impact the quality of life of individuals suffering from this condition. Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for managing IBS symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota and promoting gut health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the impact of probiotics on gut health in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The study will critically evaluate existing literature on the efficacy of probiotics in alleviating IBS symptoms, improving gut microbiota composition, and enhancing overall gut health. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed to identify relevant studies from electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, discussing the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review comprising ten key areas related to probiotics, gut health, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and previous studies on probiotic interventions in IBS patients. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including study design, selection criteria, data extraction methods, quality assessment, and statistical analysis techniques. The chapter also describes the search strategy, data synthesis, and potential sources of bias in the included studies. Chapter Four presents an in-depth discussion of the findings, analyzing the impact of probiotics on gut health parameters such as gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, inflammation, and IBS symptoms. The chapter highlights the strengths and limitations of the included studies and identifies gaps in the current literature that warrant further investigation. Chapter Five offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the project thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications for clinical practice, and recommendations for future research. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of probiotics in improving gut health and managing symptoms in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ultimately contributing to the advancement of evidence-based strategies for IBS management. Keywords Probiotics, Gut Health, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Thesis Overview

This research project aims to investigate the impact of probiotics on gut health in individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have gained attention for their potential role in managing IBS symptoms. The introduction section of the project provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the significance of studying the effects of probiotics on gut health in individuals with IBS. The background of the study delves into the existing literature on IBS and probiotics, establishing the rationale for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The problem statement identifies the gap in knowledge regarding the specific impact of probiotics on gut health in IBS patients, leading to the formulation of research objectives aimed at addressing this gap. The methodology chapter outlines the systematic approach that will be employed to collect, screen, and analyze relevant studies on probiotics and IBS. The inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection, data extraction methods, and statistical analysis techniques for the meta-analysis are detailed to ensure the rigor and reproducibility of the findings. The literature review chapter provides a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on probiotics and gut health in individuals with IBS. This section critically evaluates the current evidence, identifies key research gaps, and sets the stage for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the systematic review and meta-analysis, highlighting the effects of probiotics on gut health parameters such as symptom severity, quality of life, and gut microbiota composition in individuals with IBS. The implications of the findings for clinical practice and future research are discussed in detail, emphasizing the potential benefits of probiotic interventions for managing IBS. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of probiotics for improving gut health in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. By conducting a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis, this study seeks to provide valuable insights that can inform healthcare providers and patients about the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in managing IBS symptoms.