The human intestinal microbial flora

Wezel, E.E. van (2011) The human intestinal microbial flora. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

The gastro-intestinal tract consists of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Digestion of nutrients starts in the mouth with the aid of enzymes. After total digestion of the nutrients, absorption takes place in especially the small intestine. In the large intestine, the microbial flora ferment nutrients that are non- digestible for the human body. Besides the fermentation of for the human non-digestible nutrients, the microbial flora has several other functions. Products that are released by the fermentation of non- digestible nutrients through bacteria are Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA). SCFA are beneficially for human health. Stimulation (growth) of the microbial flora and also the production of SCFA is possible with for the human non-digestible oligosaccharides (a food ingredient). Products with for the human non-digestible oligosaccharides that stimulate the growth of one or a few bacteria in the intestine and ensure health benefits in the human being are called prebiotics. Products that are enriched with living bacteria that beneficially affect the host are called probiotics. Several studies, Costabile et al., 2010 and Collado et al., 2006, showed a positive correlation between ingested pre- and/or probiotics and the concentration Bifidobacterium in feces of volunteers.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 07:45
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 07:45
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/9553

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