The Impact of Probiotics on Gut Health in Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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