Synbiotic (L. plantarum Dad-13 and Fructo-oligosaccharide) Powder on Gut Microbiota (L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae) on Stunting Children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Synbiotics have a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiota. They will increase the production of short-chain fatty acid that has modulating effect on gastrointestinal epithelial cell integrity, appetite regulation, and immune function. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of synbiotics (L. plantarum Dad-13 and fructo-oligosaccharide) on gut microbiota composition (L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae) in stunting children under five in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research methods used double blind randomized controlled trials with parallel design. The sample consisted of 39 stunting children under five which was divided into 19 subjects as a synbiotic group given synbiotic (L. plantarum Dad-13 1x1010 CFU and fructo-oligosaccharide 700 mg) powder and 20 subjects as a placebo group given skim milk. The intervention was carried out for 90 days. The result showed that, statistically, there were significant differences in synbiotic group on gut microbiota (increased in L. plantarum and Bifidobacterium, while decreased in Enterobacteriaceae). Protein and carbohydrate were significantly increasing (p=0.000; p=0.001) in synbiotic group compared to placebo group. Body weight and height were significantly different (p=0.000) in both groups. Bodyweight and height of children on synbiotic group was increasing 1.02 and 1.6 times higher than placebo group. Neither morbidity nor weight loss was recorded throughout consumption period. Synbiotic powder has significantly positive effect on gut microbiota that can induce nutrient intake, height and weight gain of stunting children.