Probiotic Delivered to the Small Intestine Changes Microbiota

This study will determine whether encapsulation of probiotic bacteria using natural plant protein can enhance bacterial colonisation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an ideal strain for the intervention, as it has been shown to affect overall gut health, gut-brain axis, and brain function. Participants aged 25 to 65 years will be recruited and assessed on four occasions to compare the effects of the blood chemicals and bacterial composition in faeces of a 28-day ingestion of a yoghurt beverage with and without the probiotic strain of interest. The study window will be 70+/13 days. This study will provide important information regarding the physiological function of probiotics in the small intestine. Understanding the underlying physiological effects of targeted probiotic delivery to the intestine and the impact on the microbiome is important for health outcomes.