Effect of probiotic bacteria supplementation on species diversity i̇n the gut microbiota during i̇ntermittent fasting

TThis study explored the effects of SCD Probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota in the context of intermittent fasting (IF) using 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental design involved subjecting these rats to an IF regime, which entailed 18 hours of daily food restriction, coupled with a daily dose of 3 mL (1 x 108 CFU) SCD Probiotics for a duration of 30 days. Post-experiment, metagenome analysis of the cecum contents from both the experimental and control groups was conducted. The findings revealed notable changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition. Specifically, both Shannon and Simpson alpha diversity indices, which are measures of species diversity in a community, showed an increase. This increase was observed under three conditions: with the use of SCD Probiotics alone, under IF, and with the combination of SCD Probiotics supplementation during IF.A significant aspect of the study was the observation of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratios. These ratios are often used as indicators of gut health, with imbalances sometimes associated with various health issues. The study found that the F/B ratio improved under both IF and SCD Probiotics supplementation, but a more balanced ratio was achieved when SCD Probiotics were supplemented during IF. Additionally, the study noted substantial alterations in the dominant bacterial families, genera, and species across all three conditions. However, it was observed that while SCD Probiotics was most effective at altering these taxonomic levels, the combination of supplementation during IF did not yield the same effect. This suggests a potent stabilizing effect of intermittent fasting on gut microbiota, indicating that supplementing with SCD Probiotics during IF might offer enhanced benefits for gut microbiota health.In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of how probiotic supplementation interacts with dietary patterns like intermittent fasting, influencing gut microbiota composition and diversity. This has potential implications for dietary and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving gut health.