Probiotics, Prebiotics and Fruit and Vegetable Fiber Improved the Gastrointestinal Tract and Increased Immunity: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Trial

Authors: Chi-Fu Chiang* , Chin-Lin Hsu , Ying-Chi Chen , Yung-Kai Li , Yung-Hsiang Lin and HangZhou Chen

DOI: 10.23880/fsnt-16000282

Volume 7, Issue 1

Abstract

The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ in the human body. A healthy gut will block bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites, and other attacks. Studies have shown that probiotics can stabilize the intestinal barrier and improve immunity, while prebiotics can help probiotics multiply and grow effectively in the human gut. Dietary fibers increase the frequency of gastrointestinal motility. This study used the combination formula of probiotics, prebiotics, and fruit and vegetable fiber to explore its effects on gastrointestinal health and improving immunity. The study recruited 50 subjects and randomly assigned two groups, the placebo group and the probiotic fruit and vegetable fiber powder group (PF formula). Subjects were measured in body position measurement, blood and stool collection, dietary questionnaire, and somatosensory questionnaire at weeks 0, and 12. The PF formula increased IgG, IgM, and IL-10 and decreased IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-⍺ compared to baseline (week 0). The PF formula increased the frequency of bowel movements, improved flatulence, stomach pain, hard stools, constipation, and diarrhea. It also reduced headache, muscle pain, and dizziness compared to baseline. Finally, the PF formula increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Porphyromonadaceae and Parabacteroides and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria Clostridiaceae. The PF formula had the effect of gastrointestinal health care and enhanced immunity

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Fruit and vegetable fiber; Immunity; Probiotics; Prebiotics

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