ANÁLISE DO CONSUMO DE PROBIÓTICOS E PREBIÓTICOS: ASSOCIAÇÃO COM SINTOMAS GASTROINTESTINAIS EM ACADÊMICOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE.

Introduction: Probiotics and prebiotics are fundamental to intestinal function and when administered together they stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria. However, more practical research is needed to discover the impact of habitual intake of these elements. Objective: To investigate eating habits and consumption of food sources or supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics in the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal habits in students of health courses. Materials and methods: This study was performed using a cross-sectional analysis. The sample consisted of a total of 433 students from health courses. Questionnaires about eating habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Bristol scale were used. Results: Most students reported not consuming probiotic sources, totaling 78.3% (n=339) of the sample. In contrast, regarding the consumption of prebiotics, 89.6% (n=388) of the sample reported consuming foods that are sources of prebiotics. Concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, there was no association between the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics and the absence of mild symptoms/symptoms. However, the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics directly influenced the type of stools reported. Conclusion: The consumption of probiotics and prebiotics was not associated with the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms; however, it positively influenced the type of feces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]