Effect of Refined Carbohydrates on Gut Microbiota

Running head: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RESEARCH PROPOSAL: EFFECT OF REFINED CARBOHYDRATES ON GUT
MICROBIOTA
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1RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Abstract
The human gut micro flora has been implicated to exert beneficial metabolic, immunological and
gastrointestinal effects on the health and wellbeing of the human body. Over the years, existing
literature and numerous studies have regarded the gut micro biota to possess a mutualistic
relationship with the human body and aids in the digestion of complex nutrients, initiation of
anti-inflammatory functioning via short chain fatty acid production and metabolism of minerals.
External environmental factors such as physiological changes in health, life stages and diet have
been implicated to result in alterations in gut micro flora composition. Considering the limited
availability of research and need for improved health promotion in the future, the following
research proposal will aim to focus extensively on the effect of refined carbohydrates in the
composition and functioning of human gut microbiota.

2RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Research Background......................................................................................................2
Research Rationale..........................................................................................................3
Research Aims and Objectives........................................................................................4
Research Questions..........................................................................................................4
Literature Review................................................................................................................5
Role of Gut Micro Biota..................................................................................................5
Effect of Nutrients: Refined Carbohydrates....................................................................5
Research Methodology........................................................................................................6
Research Design..............................................................................................................6
Data Collection................................................................................................................6
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.....................................................................................7
Data Analysis...................................................................................................................7
Ethical Issues...................................................................................................................7
Research Limitations.......................................................................................................7
Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................................8
Expected Outcome...............................................................................................................8
References............................................................................................................................9

3RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Introduction
Research Background
Advancements in medical science and technology have resulted in the emergence of a
growing number of evidence exploring the causative links between human health and intestinal
gut micro flora [1]. Intestinal gut micro flora, alternatively known as gut micro biota, implies the
structurally complex and vast community of microbial strains residing in the gastrointestinal
tracts of organisms such as insects, animals and especially humans [2]. It is estimated that
approximately 100 trillion strains of microbial strains, comprising of varied bacterial strains of
genera like: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Escherichia,
Ruminococcus and Streptococcus comprise of the gut micro biota residing in the large bowel of
humans [3].
Over the years, the gut micro biota has been recognized as a separate organ system in the
human body due to vast repertoire of beneficial functions performed by the same. Considering
the various beneficial effects associated with the gut microflora, it has been implicated that the
functional relationship between humans and the same, is commensalic and mutualistic in nature
[4]. The gut micro biota is responsible for the production of short chain fatty acids such as
butyric and acetic acid, resulting from fermentative processes underlying digestion and
metabolism of dietary fiber. The secretion of short chain fatty acids coupled with compounds
like defensins have been implicated to exert anti-inflammatory and immune functioning [5]. In
addition to the above, the gut micro biota has also been associated with the metabolism of
sterols, xenobiotics and drugs as well as synthesis of Vitamins K and B [6]. However, such
complex functions by the gut micro may be subject to change due to occurrences of structural