The effect of probiotic food consumption on exam anxiety in university students

The balance of the intestinal microbiota of individuals can be disturbed due to reasons such as nutrition, drug use, lifestyle, infections. In this case, where the balance of the microbiota is disturbed; Different effects can be seen from the inflammatory system to the functioning of the immune system and behavioral changes. For this purpose, the study was carried out with the participation of 240 students studying at Biruni University in Istanbul. According to the findings; While 88.3% of the university students participating in the study had knowledge about probiotics, there was no significant difference between the knowledge level of probiotics between the participating young men and young women (p= 0.283). At the same time, no significant difference was found between these men and women regarding probiotic consumption (p=0.75). When all the findings were evaluated, it was determined that the knowledge and awareness of probiotic bacteria in this population was quite high. In parallel with this, it was determined that the consumption habits were high. When the test anxiety levels were compared between those who consumed probiotic food and those who did not, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference (p= 0.002). In this study, in which it is seen that the increase in the level of knowledge about probiotic foods and probiotic-added products in similar populations can also increase consumption, it is thought that the training to be given on this subject may cause positive changes on the microbiota of the people. It is predicted that probiotic foods and probiotic-added products can be used in supportive treatment in health problems such as exam anxiety, stress and depression. More studies are needed on the effect of probiotic bacteria, which benefits the psychological state, on test anxiety.