Background: The aging process is marked by a gradual deterioration of the organism's biological functions. Millions of microorganisms in the human intestine form a diverse microbial ecology. The gut microbiota has been described as an essential organ that connects to other organs in multiple directions. The gut microbiota axis functions to regulate host-microbe via interacting with the humoral, immunological, endocrine, and neurological as well as metabolic processes.
The aim of the work: The aim of our study was to compare the role of gut microbiota and their emerging insights among two group of geriatric South Indian population.
Methodology: The study examined the effects of probiotic consumption on older adults over 60. It was randomized and placebo-controlled. They were divided into the Study (Probiotics) group or Placebo group. Participants took their designated probiotic twice daily for three months during the intervention period. During the intervention phase, participants were requested to maintain their regular eating patterns and health-related behaviors. A total of 100 candidates went through the screening process among which 50 subjects were enrolled in the study. The probiotic group included 25 participants and 25 participants were included in Placebo group. At the fourth, eighth, and twelve weeks, participants were reviewed and enquired if their bowel habits had improved over the previous four weeks in order to gauge the impact of probiotics on intestinal health.
Results: The probiotics group showed a notable improvement over the course of the intervention period in bowel habits, including the frequency and quantity of bowel movements, the sense of incomplete evacuation, the odor of the feces, the number of gas passages, the bowel sounds, and the distention of the abdomen. The percentage of effectiveness was 98%, the p value was 0.0001 in Probiotic group and 2% in Placebo group.
Conclusion: Our research demonstrated that probiotic supplements can help improve gut health in healthy older adults.