Supplementation of microencapsulated probiotics modulates gut health and intestinal microbiota

Abstract

The beneficial effect of probiotics on host health is impaired due to the substantial loss of survivability during gastric transit caused by small intestinal enzymes and bile acids. Encapsulation helps to preserve the probiotics species from severe environmental factors. Lactobacillus paracasei, highly sensitive probiotic species to gastric acid, was encapsulated with polyacrylate resin. C57BL/6 male mice were equally divided into three groups; control group was fed with basal diet without any additives, the un‐encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% of a mixture of encapsulating material and L. paracasei, and encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% encapsulated L. paracasei (microcapsule) for 4 weeks. The result showed elevated fecal moisture percentage in the encapsulated group, but not in the un‐encapsulated group. Further study showed that the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the small intestine was significantly higher compared to un‐encapsulated and the control group. Microencapsulated probiotics also remarkably increased intestinal mucin and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration, intestinal MUC‐2, and tight junction protein mRNA expression levels improving the intestinal barrier function of mice. In addition, microcapsules also reduced proinflammatory factor mRNA expression, while considerably increasing anti‐inflammatory factor mRNA expression. Microbiota metabolites, fecal LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) were downregulated, and acetate and lactate were upraised compared to control. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and TAOC levels were increased and Malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased improving antioxidant capacity. Microflora and bioinformatic predictive analysis of feces showed that encapsulated probiotics remarkably increased Lactobacillus proportions. Mice's intestinal health can thus be improved by using microencapsulated probiotics.

Evaluation of probiotics in the treatment of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy combined with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

“…Some studies have shown that probiotics can improve intestinal flora disorders, affecting human metabolism, and immune functions (Akram et al., 2023 ; Gyawali et al., 2023 ). Our findings suggest that patients with hypothyroidism in early pregnancy combined with SIBO treated with probiotics had a higher rate of SIBO conversion and improvement of clinical symptoms such as abdominal distension.…”

Probiotic‐fermented edible herbs as functional foods: A review of current status, challenges, and strategies

“…On the other hand, probiotics in fermented MFH also influence the composition of the gut microbiota. By supplementing mice with microencapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei , the researchers observed an increase in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria within the intestinal microbiota of the mice and an improvement in the intestinal barrier (Gyawali et al., 2023). Probiotics can maintain the homeostasis of the gut microbiota by exogenously supplementing or increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and competing with pathogens.…”

Mechanisms of Male Reproductive Sterility Triggered by Dysbiosis of Intestinal Microorganisms

“…It is recommended to practice good personal hygiene using mild detergents and avoiding strong antibacterial products to maintain intestinal microbiota balance. Consumption of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich beverages, containing live beneficial bacteria and food ingredients that support probiotic growth, respectively, is encouraged [ 115 , 116 , 117 ]. Furthermore, moderating smoking and alcohol consumption, ensuring adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management all contribute positively to preventing intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.…”