(duplicate) Assessment of survival of 4 strains of probiotics through thehuman gut
Research type
Research Study
Full title
HEALTHY HUMAN STUDY ASSESSING SURVIVAL THROUGH THE GUT OF FOUR DIFFERENT STRAINS OF LACTOBACILLI/BIFIDOBACTERIA
IRAS ID
159509
Contact name
Qasim Aziz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Probiotic International Ltd (Protexin)
Research summary
The microbe population living in human intestine contains tens of trillions of microorganisms and is referred to as microbiota, which play a critical role in sustain health and a positive asset in the immune system. Alteration or instability of the microbiota and changes in its biological diversity have been found in a number of gastrointestinal disorders and metabolic diseases. There is growing evidence that an altered microbiota may induce or perpetuate chronic inflammatory disease, can effect cell proliferation and may play a role in metabolic diseases and obesity. It is therefore important to better understand the means by which gut microbiota affect health and immunity, and the ways in which modulation of gut microbiota through the use of diet, prebiotics and probiotics may confer health benefits in human diseases.
Probiotics: are defined as live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, exert a health benefit to the host, and are being increasingly used in the management of functional bowel disorders, including constipation. Probiotics are commonly available over the counter and in all supermarkets as bio-yoghurts, probiotic drinks or food supplements, which contain probiotics in different quantities and different strains.
Clinical use of probiotics: Current examples of use of probiotics in human disease states include Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Constipation, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Pouchitis etc. Interest is rapidly developing on the role of probiotics in modulating gut health and metabolism in obesity. Finally gut microbiota have been demonstrated to influence gut brain signalling through immune and hormonal regulation and are implicated in stress and anxiety and hence a role for probiotics in modulating psychological state of those with anxiety is also developing.
Therefore modulation of gut microbiota through the use of probiotics is an important area for future research and there is considerable commercial interest in developing probiotics to promote gastrointestinal health.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1457
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion