
The human gut microbiome plays a huge role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. This study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of prebiotics in enhancing the growth and activity of normal gut microbiota. Prebiotics, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides have been known to be serving as fermentable substrates that enhance microbial diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, contributing to gut health. Through a combination of literature review and laboratory experiments, we examine the impact of natural prebiotic sources—including honey, oats, asparagus, mushrooms, and oats—on specific probiotic strains in the laboratory conditions and predict increased microbial growth. Our findings provide insights into optimizing dietary interventions for microbiome balance. Further research will explore the potential health benefits of synbiotics in gastrointestinal health and disease prevention.
Paris Carlo is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree in a health-related field.
Comments
I can't wait to see and hear your presentation next week. Being a big fan of asparagus & mushrooms, I'm excited to hear how I'm *actually* eating healthy!