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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Association between increased microbiota awareness and lower gastrointestinal symptom severity: a cross-sectional
Kadriye Toprak1, Dilara Nur Kaplan2, Ezgi Nur Cinar3
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, Altındağ, Ankara, 06050, Turkey. kadriye.eken.toprak@gmail.com.
Background:
Today, gastrointestinal symptoms represent a significant health concern, affecting not only the digestive system but also overall health and quality of life. The growing awareness of the role of microbiota in health has increased the interest in research into the connection between probiotic food consumption and gastrointestinal health. This study aimed to examine the association between microbiota awareness level and probiotic-containing food consumption frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 642 participants. The consumption habits and frequency of intake of various foods containing probiotics were investigated. Additionally, the Microbiota Awareness Scale assessed individuals' microbiota awareness levels, while gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The associations among microbiota awareness score, probiotic-containing food consumption frequency, and some basic independent variables and GSRS were evaluated using hierarchical linear regression analysis.
Results:
Microbiota awareness score was found to be significantly associated with the GSRS total score (β = -0.288;95% CI:-0.394 to -0.243; p < 0.001). Age (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.044), gender (p < 0.001), educational status (p = 0.035), and presence of digestive system problems (p < 0.001) were found to have significant independent associations with GSRS scores.
Conclusions:
Microbiota awareness level remained an independent correlate of GSRS after controlling for age, body mass index, and gender. These findings suggest that higher microbiota awareness is associated with lower gastrointestinal symptom severity.
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