EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION IN IMPROVING GUT MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION AND DIGESTIVE HEALTH AMONG ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being. Modern dietary patterns, stress, and medication use often disrupt this microbial balance, leading to dysbiosis and associated gastrointestinal discomfort. Probiotic supplementation has gained recognition as a promising non-pharmacological strategy to restore gut homeostasis by introducing beneficial bacterial strains that support digestion and intestinal integrity.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation versus placebo in improving gut microbiota composition and digestive health among adults.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 80 adults aged 25–55 years in South Punjab, divided equally into probiotic and placebo groups. The intervention spanned twelve weeks, during which participants in the probiotic group received a daily capsule containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, while the placebo group received identical capsules without active organisms. Gut microbial diversity was assessed through the Shannon Diversity Index, and digestive health was evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with p-values below 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Participants receiving probiotics demonstrated a significant increase in microbial diversity (p<0.001) and a marked reduction in GSRS total scores (p<0.01), indicating improved gut balance and reduced digestive discomfort. The placebo group exhibited minimal change across both parameters. No adverse effects were reported, confirming the safety and tolerability of the supplementation.

Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation effectively enhanced gut microbial diversity and digestive health among adults, supporting its role as a safe and beneficial approach to maintaining gastrointestinal equilibrium.