Evaluation of the Health Benefits of Functional Protein Complex in Improving Intestinal Microbiota

Background: The balance of intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health. Developing health supplements with the potential to modulate gut flora is of significant value for promoting gastrointestinal function and overall well-being. Methods: In this study, forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 per group): a control group, a low-dose group (0.5X), a medium-dose group (1X), and a high-dose group (2X). The animals were administered the functional protein complex daily for eight consecutive weeks. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, and 8 to analyze the counts of total anaerobes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Following sacrifice at week 8, the cecal microbiota was further analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, fecal analysis of the medium- and high-dose groups at weeks 4 and 8 showed a significant increase in the populations of total anaerobes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the cecal microbiota analysis of the medium- and high-dose groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the functional protein complex effectively increases the population of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) in the intestines of rats, thereby improving the balance of gut microbiota. Based on dose conversion, a daily intake of one sachet (20 g) for adults is suggested to enhance the count of beneficial intestinal bacteria and improve gastrointestinal function.