Development of Functional Food Products Incorporating Probiotics for Enhanced Digestive Health

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of functional food products incorporating probiotics to enhance digestive health. Probiotics have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential health benefits, particularly in improving gut health and overall well-being. The aim of this study is to investigate the formulation and production of functional food products enriched with probiotics, with a specific focus on their impact on digestive health. The introduction provides an overview of the background of the study, highlighting the growing interest in functional foods and the role of probiotics in promoting gut health. The problem statement identifies the need for innovative food products that can deliver probiotics effectively to the gut. The objectives of the study are outlined, including the development of probiotic-enriched food products, evaluation of their impact on digestive health, and assessment of consumer perceptions. The literature review delves into existing research on probiotics, their mechanisms of action, and their potential health benefits. It also explores different food matrices suitable for probiotic delivery and the challenges associated with probiotic survival and functionality in food products. The research methodology section details the experimental approach adopted in this study, including the selection of probiotic strains, formulation of food products, and methods for evaluating their probiotic content and impact on digestive health. The study design incorporates both in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess probiotic survival, functionality, and health benefits. The findings from the study are discussed in Chapter Four, focusing on the development of probiotic-enriched food products, their probiotic content, and their impact on digestive health parameters. The results reveal promising outcomes in terms of probiotic viability, functionality, and potential health benefits for consumers. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the field of food science and technology by demonstrating the feasibility of developing functional food products incorporating probiotics for enhanced digestive health. The study highlights the importance of probiotic selection, formulation design, and evaluation methods in achieving desired health outcomes. The findings have implications for the food industry in developing innovative products that promote gut health and overall well-being. Keywords functional foods, probiotics, digestive health, food science, food technology, gut microbiota, health benefits.