The results of this study are similar to the studies discussed above in that Lactobacillus counts did not alter significantly, but Bifidobacterium counts did increase significantly. They indicate that an interesting addition to our study would have been to add two synbiotic feeding groups, Bifidobacterium/FOS and Lactobacillus/FOS. Results from previous studies have shown that an easily accessed, preferred substrate increases the viability of the probiotic.51 In order for all the rats to begin the experiment with a “sterile” gut, they could have been given a round of antibiotics beforehand. Also, although LAC is not significantly higher in this study, it is trending higher. Therefore, it is possible that with a higher n, the result may have become significant.
The hypothesis of the preliminary study was that the prebiotics or probiotics added to the soy protein could have some effect on the intestinal microflora. In the Bifidobacterium-fed group, lipid levels were higher than any of the other feeding groups. It was concluded that the higher concentration of probiotics likely produced SCFA and amino acids which were absorbed in the colon and subsequently increased body lipids.12 It is likely that the Firmicutes in the gut are responsible for this conversion.10 …show more content…
Further, use of a rat species that was not obese or prone to diabetes would likely have resulted in a longer, more complete study of the effects of the different diet groups since these rats developed diabetes so quickly and severely that the study had to be stopped. In addition, it is possible that the wire-floor cages could have been stressful for the animals as opposed to litter on a smooth cage floor, causing the rats to eat more than they normally would have. This could alter the ratios of the gut bacteria genera, thereby negatively skewing the
The hypothesis of the preliminary study was that the prebiotics or probiotics added to the soy protein could have some effect on the intestinal microflora. In the Bifidobacterium-fed group, lipid levels were higher than any of the other feeding groups. It was concluded that the higher concentration of probiotics likely produced SCFA and amino acids which were absorbed in the colon and subsequently increased body lipids.12 It is likely that the Firmicutes in the gut are responsible for this conversion.10 …show more content…
Further, use of a rat species that was not obese or prone to diabetes would likely have resulted in a longer, more complete study of the effects of the different diet groups since these rats developed diabetes so quickly and severely that the study had to be stopped. In addition, it is possible that the wire-floor cages could have been stressful for the animals as opposed to litter on a smooth cage floor, causing the rats to eat more than they normally would have. This could alter the ratios of the gut bacteria genera, thereby negatively skewing the