Targeted Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Personalized Probiotics

Abstract

The current market of probiotic supplements is significantly growing although the quality and effectiveness of the commonly sold products are variable. Parameters such as the composition of each individual microbiota, strain specificity, production procedures, or storage can influence the potential positive outcome of probiotic supplements on consumers. The aim of this study was to determine changes of selected markers within the microbiota after 3 months treatment by the personalized probiotic supplement. Stool samples of 48 volunteers were analyzed by 16s ribsosomal RNA sequencing. The composition (selection of species, number of species used, and number of colony-forming units) of the probiotic mixture was designed based on the gut microbiota analysis and it was prepared for each patient separately. After 3 months of probiotic supplementation, a control sample was analyzed. Data confirmed a statistically significant increase in abundance of genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and phylum Actinobacteria. The overall number of species was also increased thus increasing the overall diversity of the microbiota, which is considered a marker of healthy gut microbiota.