Study of Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jalanka-Tuovinen Jonna, Salonen Anne, Nikkilä Janne, Immonen Outi, Kekkonen Riina, Lahti Leo, Palva Airi, de Vos Willem M.
Primary Institution: Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
The study aims to characterize the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults and its relation to intestinal symptoms.
Conclusion
The study found a high overall temporal stability of the microbiota and identified significant correlations between microbiota composition and intestinal symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- A high overall temporal stability of the microbiota was observed.
- Five subjects showed transient microbiota destabilization correlated with antibiotics, travel, and illness.
- Significant correlations were found between microbiota and intestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating.
- Subjects with abdominal pain had over five-fold less Bifidobacteria compared to those without pain.
Takeaway
This study looked at the tiny living things in our tummies of healthy people and how they change over time, finding that some of them are linked to tummy aches.
Methodology
The study followed 15 healthy Finnish subjects over seven weeks, assessing their intestinal bacteria using a phylogenetic microarray and qPCR analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of subjects and the specific demographic of Finnish adults.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not involve food diaries to estimate dietary influences.
Participant Demographics
15 healthy Finnish adults, 5 males and 10 females, aged 39 to 56.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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