Probiotics Improve Gastrointestinal Function and Life Quality in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can cause gut dysbiosis, affecting the enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) function.
• Understanding interventions for pregnancy-related GI issues is crucial for maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in managing hormonal change-associated dysbiosis during early pregnancy.
• To explore the impact of probiotics on GI symptoms, quality of life, and underlying microbial and metabolic mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A 16-day study involving daily probiotic intake (mainly Lactobacillus) for two cycles, interspersed with probiotic-free days.
• Daily surveys monitored GI function and quality of life.
• Fecal samples underwent metagenomic sequencing, metabolomics, and bacterial gene quantification.

Main Results:

• Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced nausea, vomiting, and constipation severity.
• Quality of life was notably improved in the probiotic group.
• Low fecal bile salt hydrolase (bsh) correlated with high vomiting scores; probiotics increased fecal bsh.
• Exploratory findings linked low fecal α-tocopherol and high Akkermansia muciniphila abundance to vomiting.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics demonstrate a beneficial effect on GI symptoms and quality of life during early pregnancy.
• Probiotics may enhance GI function by increasing free bile acid production via bile salt hydrolase (bsh).
• Further research into biomarkers like bsh, α-tocopherol, and Akkermansia muciniphila could offer insights into pregnancy-related GI health.