A synbiotic intervention to improve well-being at work
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A synbiotic intervention to improve well-being at work
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Miguel A. Toribio-Mateas D. Prof. and Andrew P. Smith, PhD
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A synbiotic intervention to improve well-being at work
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202321-30385
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Miguel A. Toribio-Mateas and Andrew P. Smith explores the impact of synbiotics on workplace well-being. Synbiotics are defined as a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that can enhance the host's health benefits. This research is groundbreaking as it investigates the effects of synbiotic consumption, particularly through a kefir and prebiotic mixture, on various aspects of employee well-being, a subject that has remained relatively unexplored in occupational health literature.
The Significance of Synbiotics
Synbiotics are gaining attention for their potential to improve health by modulating the gut microbiome. Probiotics, the live microorganisms that confer health benefits, and prebiotics, the non-digestible fibers that encourage beneficial bacterial proliferation, work synergistically to enhance gut health. The study evaluates the role of these combined components in fostering well-being in a working environment. The researchers used a specific synbiotic drink that included goat's milk kefir alongside a prebiotic mixture rich in diverse fibers, aiming to determine its effects on employees’ mental health and life satisfaction.
Effects on Workplace Well-being
The findings from the intervention involving 14 participants showed significant improvements in several well-being metrics after a six-week period of consuming the synbiotic drink. Participants reported feeling less sleepy during the day and more engaged in their work. Metrics such as life satisfaction and overall flourishing also demonstrated notable enhancements. These results indicate that integrating synbiotics into dietary practices can have positive ramifications on worker alertness, engagement, and overall mental health.
Research Methodology and Limitations
The study employed a robust methodology, including a baseline assessment with the Well-being Process Questionnaire before the synbiotic intervention. This tool measures various factors influencing well-being, including psychological capital and job characteristics. However, the research faced limitations, such as the lack of a control group and not measuring the gut microbiome to understand underlying biological mechanisms. While initial results are promising, these weaknesses underscore the need for further studies with larger sample sizes and rigorous controls.
Conclusion
In summary, the study presents compelling evidence that synbiotic consumption can enhance well-being among workers, marking a significant advancement in understanding dietary influences on occupational health. It highlights the importance of exploring nutritional interventions to combat workplace stress and improve life satisfaction. Future research is necessary to identify specific factors contributing to these observed benefits and to explore the biological mechanisms behind the interaction of synbiotics and well-being, ultimately aiming to foster healthier and more productive work environments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main purpose of the study by Toribio-Mateas and Smith?
The study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotics, specifically kefir and a prebiotic mixture, on workers' well-being at work, which had not been previously researched.
How many participants were involved in the synbiotic intervention study?
Fourteen participants from a third-sector charity completed the 6-week intervention which involved consumption of a synbiotic drink.
What improvements in well-being were observed after the intervention?
Participants reported feeling more alert, engaged in work, and showed increased life satisfaction and flourishing after consuming the synbiotic drink.
What were the main ingredients of the synbiotic drink used in the study?
The synbiotic drink comprised goat's milk kefir and a multi-fibre prebiotic powder, blended with a banana for taste.
What method was used to assess participants' well-being before and after the study?
The Well-being Process Questionnaire (WPQ) was used to measure various aspects of well-being at baseline and after the intervention.
What limitations were noted in the study on synbiotics and well-being?
The study lacked a placebo control group and did not measure gut microbiome changes, leaving some questions about underlying mechanisms unresolved.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A synbiotic intervention to improve well-being at work”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' refers to the structured investigation conducted by the researchers to assess the impact of synbiotics on workplace well-being. In this context, the study provides foundational insights into how dietary interventions, specifically using kefir and prebiotics, can influence worker mental health and productivity, thus filling a significant knowledge gap in occupational health research.
2) Post:
'Post' indicates the assessment phase following an intervention, crucial for analyzing changes in participants' well-being after consuming the synbiotic drink. This phase allows researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, showcasing improvements in factors such as life satisfaction and job immersion, which are critical in understanding the intervention's impact.
3) Life:
In the context of the research, 'Life' refers to overall life satisfaction and well-being experienced by participants. The study highlights how the consumption of synbiotics positively affects not just work-related well-being but also general life quality, indicating that dietary changes can enhance holistic health.
4) Food:
'Food' is central to this research, as the intervention involves the consumption of synbiotic drinks made from kefir and prebiotics. It highlights the importance of nutrition in supporting mental health and well-being in the workplace, emphasizing how certain food choices can lead to improved psychological outcomes.
5) Milk:
'Milk' is significant since the study utilized goat's milk kefir as a probiotic source. The health benefits associated with fermented dairy products, especially those with specific microbial compositions, are key to understanding the potential advantages of synbiotics for enhancing gut health and, consequently, mental health.
6) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' pertains to the methodology and evidence-based approach within the research. The study aims to uncover the biological and psychological mechanisms behind synbiotics' effects on worker well-being, contributing to broader scientific knowledge regarding nutrition, mental health, and workplace productivity.
7) Powder:
'Powder' refers to the multi-fiber prebiotic powder included in the synbiotic drink, which complements the kefir. This ingredient plays a vital role in providing dietary fibers that promote beneficial gut bacteria growth, crucially impacting the gut microbiome and its subsequent effects on mental and emotional well-being.
8) Table:
'Table' is referenced in relation to the data presentation within the study. Specifically, it organizes and displays the statistical findings regarding the significant differences in well-being scores before and after the intervention, making it easier to visualize the effects of consuming the synbiotic drink on participants' health.
9) Goat milk:
'Goat's Milk' refers specifically to the type of milk used for making kefir in this study. Goat's milk is often easier to digest than cow's milk and contains unique nutritional properties that may enhance the gut microbiota, supporting the study's aim to investigate its effects on well-being.
10) Activity:
In relation to the study, 'Activity' may refer to the metabolic and physiological processes influenced by the gut microbiome, which can alter mental state and productivity. Understanding how physical and cognitive activities are modulated by dietary interventions is essential for exploring potential benefits of synbiotics.
11) Species:
'Species' relates to the various microbial strains present in kefir and prebiotic powders. The diversity of microbial species is critical as different strains can have differing effects on gut health. Understanding these differences is essential for determining the specific benefits of synbiotics on well-being.
12) Mental health:
'Mental health' captures the study's focus on psychological well-being and its correlation with dietary influences. The research aims to elucidate how synbiotics may alleviate workplace stress and enhance overall mental health, thus contributing to a more supportive work environment.
13) Observation:
'Observation' signifies the act of monitoring participants' health responses to the synbiotic drink throughout the study. This systematic observation is essential for understanding the direct impacts of dietary changes on employee well-being and for validating the study's findings.
14) Agriculture:
'Agriculture' is relevant as it pertains to the sourcing of the food ingredients used in the study, like kefir and various prebiotics. The intersection of agricultural practices and nutrition plays a critical role in understanding the availability and health benefits of fermented foods.
15) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the study where results are interpreted, and implications are drawn. It explores the significance of the findings in the context of existing literature, assessing how synbiotic consumption can improve well-being and suggesting pathways for further research.
16) Depression:
'Depression' is a mental health condition that the research implies could potentially be alleviated through dietary interventions involving synbiotics. By exploring the effects of probiotics on mood and emotional states, the study aims to illuminate how dietary changes might reduce depressive symptoms in the workplace.
17) Substance:
'Substance' is similar to 'substances,' focusing on individual components of the synbiotic drink. The study seeks to uncover how the biological properties of specific substances, like probiotics and prebiotics, interact to benefit workers' mental health and productivity.
18) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' is central to the goals of the study, aiming to expand the understanding of how nutrition affects workplace well-being. It highlights the importance of combining insights from nutrition, psychology, and occupational health to develop effective interventions for improving employee mental health.
19) Liquorice (Licorice):
'Liquorice' is cited as a source of prebiotic components in the study. Recognized for its potential health benefits, liquorice compounds may contribute to gut health, thereby linking dietary choices to mental well-being and providing insight into the nutritional strategies for employee health.
20) Tamarind:
'Tamarind' is another source of prebiotics mentioned in the drink's formulation. It underscores the diversity of dietary fibers that can enhance gut bacteria, reflecting the holistic approach of the study to identify various food sources that promote well-being among workers.
21) Anxiety:
'Anxiety' refers to a common mental health challenge that could be influenced by dietary components explored in the study. The researchers aim to assess whether synbiotics can help mitigate anxiety symptoms among workers, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in psychological resilience.
22) Nature:
'Nature' signifies the intrinsic qualities and characteristics of the ingredients used in the study, highlighting the biological and chemical properties of the foods involved. A clear understanding of the nature of these components is vital for comprehending their effects on gut and mental health.
23) Beta:
'Beta' can refer to beta-glucans derived from various natural sources used in the study's prebiotic powder. These compounds are important for promoting a healthy gut microbiome and can unveil insights into how dietary components influence worker well-being and overall health.
24) Diet:
'Diet' is a foundational concept in the study, emphasizing the significance of nutritional intake on health outcomes. The findings suggest that modifications in diet, particularly through synbiotics, can play a crucial role in enhancing mental health and well-being in the workplace.
25) Rice (Rce):
'Rice' is mentioned as a source of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) in the prebiotic formulation. The inclusion of various plant-based fibers underscores the role of diet diversity in promoting gut health, thus linking it to enhanced well-being and productivity at work.
26) Rich (Rch):
'Rich' describes the dense nutritional profile of the ingredients used in the synbiotic drink. The study suggests that a rich mixture of prebiotics alongside probiotics may provide substantial benefits for workers, exploring the relationship between diet quality and mental health.
27) Hand:
'Hand' may refer to the tactile aspect of preparing the synbiotic drink, emphasizing the importance of participant engagement in the process. The hands-on involvement can foster a sense of agency and care towards personal health, potentially enhancing the perceived benefits of dietary interventions.
28) Male:
'Male' indicates the gender distribution of participants in the study. Recognizing the gender dynamics within the sample can provide context for analyzing the effects of synbiotics on well-being and inform future research to consider gender-specific health outcomes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A synbiotic intervention to improve well-being at work’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Participants, Adverse effect, Healthy lifestyle, Life satisfaction, Gut-brain axis, Occupational health, Probiotics and prebiotics, Gut microbiome, Intervention period, Daytime sleepiness.