Abstract

A SYNBIOTIC INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE WELL-BEING AT WORK

Miguel A. Toribio-Mateas D. Prof. and Andrew P. Smith, PhD*

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Abstract

Background: There has been extensive research on the effects of probiotics and prebiotics. Research is now examining them in combination (synbiotics), which was done in the present study. There has been no previous research on the effects of synbiotics on wellbeing at work, which was investigated here. Methods: Fourteen participants from a third-sector charity completed the Well-being Process Questionnaire before and after a 6-week intervention involving the consumption of kefir and a prebiotic mixture. Results: The results showed that several aspects of well-being significantly improved after consumption of the synbiotic drink. The participants reported feeling less sleepy during the day and more immersed in their work. They also reported higher life satisfaction and greater flourishing (thriving). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits of a synbiotic drink for the well-being of workers. Further research with appropriate comparison conditions is required to identify what produces such effects. Including gut microbiome assays will also help determine the underlying biological mechanisms.

Keywords: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Kefir, Well-being at work; Daytime sleepiness; Flow; Flourishing; Life satisfaction.