Prebiotics and vitamins enhance gut barrier in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Purpose Intestinal mucosa functions as a specialized permeable barrier, facilitating nutrient absorption and safeguarding against external influences. Gut barrier serves as a channel of communication between gastrointestinal and bodily processes. Research investigations have postulated that enhancing gut barrier through microbiota could potentially enhance overall well-being. Hence, this intervention study was designed to assess whether intervention of microbiota modulators delivers intestinal and extra-intestinal benefits. Design/methodology/approach A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was devised to examine the impact of two doses (1.5 and 3 g) of intervention, comprising prebiotics and vitamins on gut barrier indicators (faecal IgA and calprotectin) and microbiota markers (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) of healthy human subjects. In addition, cholera vaccine challenge test was conducted to assess the influence of the barrier improvement on the mucosal response to a stressor. Findings After two weeks of intervention, prebiotics and vitamins resulted in a significant ( p = 0.04) enhancement of faecal IgA levels compared to placebo. This enhancement coincided with an increase in levels of faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. A significant ( p < 0.001) reduction in faecal calprotectin levels was observed in both intervention groups at the end of intervention, compared to placebo. Following cholera vaccine challenge, a markedly ( p < 0.03) heightened response was documented in intervention groups. Research limitations/implications This study illustrated that combination of prebiotics and vitamins could effectively modulate gut barrier and microbiota markers in healthy individuals, which contribute to a good gut health. These findings establish a foundation for delivering optimal bodily functions dwelling from a healthy gut. Originality/value This is one of its kind study which has probed into the physiological response with improvement in gut health markers.