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Probiotic Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function and Mood with Changes in Gut Microbiota in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial.
Kim, CS, Cha, L, Sim, M, Jung, S, Chun, WY, Baik, HW, Shin, DM
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. 2021;76(1):32-40
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Aging is characterized by progressive decline in biological functions of the organism. Diet is one of the critical lifestyle factors for physical and mental well-being throughout the life span, including later life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics consumption on intestinal and brain health in elders over the age of 65. This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. All participants, study coordinators, and researchers were blinded throughout the entire study. Sixty-three participants were randomized, with 31 and 32 subjects in the placebo and probiotics group, respectively. Results demonstrate that probiotics have system-wide effects on the gut–brain axis in healthy community-dwelling older adults by promoting cognitive and mental health and changing the gut microbial composition. Authors conclude that their findings provide evidence that probiotics have health-promoting properties as part of a healthy diet in the general population of independently living older adults.
Abstract
Probiotics have been proposed to ameliorate cognitive impairment and depressive disorder via the gut-brain axis in patients and experimental animal models. However, the beneficial role of probiotics in brain functions of healthy older adults remains unclear. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled multicenter trial was conducted to determine the effects of probiotics on cognition and mood in community-dwelling older adults. Sixty-three healthy elders (≥65 years) consumed either placebo or probiotics containing Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI for 12 weeks. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Brain functions were measured using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease, Satisfaction with life scale, stress questionnaire, Geriatric depression scale, and Positive affect and negative affect schedule. Blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative abundance of inflammation-causing gut bacteria was significantly reduced at Week 12 in the probiotics group (p < .05). The probiotics group showed greater improvement in mental flexibility test and stress score than the placebo group (p < .05). Contrary to placebo, probiotics significantly increased serum BDNF level (p < .05). Notably, the gut microbes significantly shifted by probiotics (Eubacterium and Clostridiales) showed significant negative correlation with serum BDNF level only in the probiotics group (RS = -0.37, RS = -0.39, p < .05). In conclusion, probiotics promote mental flexibility and alleviate stress in healthy older adults, along with causing changes in gut microbiota. These results provide evidence supporting health-promoting properties of probiotics as a part of healthy diet in the older adults.
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Effects of Synbiotic Supplement on Human Gut Microbiota, Body Composition and Weight Loss in Obesity.
Sergeev, IN, Aljutaily, T, Walton, G, Huarte, E
Nutrients. 2020;12(1)
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The gut microbiota plays a role in the development of obesity and associated diseases. Whilst energy-restricted, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets can facilitate substantial weight-loss, they also have been linked to ill-effects and unfavourable changes in the gut microbiota from excess protein fermentation. Pro-and prebiotics (synbiotics) have become a promising intervention in the management of obesity. This small placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 20 obese adults following an energy-restricted (approx.950 kcal/day) low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. The study examined whether a supplementary synbiotic contributed to additional changes in body composition and metabolic biomarkers. The synbiotic contained Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp. and a prebiotic mixture of galactooligosaccharides. Overall, at the end of the 3-month trial, there was no remarkable difference between the groups. Both experienced a significant and decreasing trend in body mass, waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass, fat percentage, and glucose level, affirming the known benefits of the described weight-loss diet. However, the synbiotic supplementation group had a greater decrease in HbA1C and significant alterations in gut microbiota, showing an increased abundance of gut bacteria associated with positive health effects. Due to the complexity of microbial species and host interactions, the authors advocate for more research to identify their significance and shed light on contradictory findings. This study identified that synbiotics may not contribute to additional changes in body composition when combined with an energy-restricted, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet but they can offer additional health benefits by inducing favourable changes to the gut microbiota.
Abstract
Targeting gut microbiota with synbiotics (probiotic supplements containing prebiotic components) is emerging as a promising intervention in the comprehensive nutritional approach to reducing obesity. Weight loss resulting from low-carbohydrate high-protein diets can be significant but has also been linked to potentially negative health effects due to increased bacterial fermentation of undigested protein within the colon and subsequent changes in gut microbiota composition. Correcting obesity-induced disruption of gut microbiota with synbiotics can be more effective than supplementation with probiotics alone because prebiotic components of synbiotics support the growth and survival of positive bacteria therein. The purpose of this placebo-controlled intervention clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of a synbiotic supplement on the composition, richness and diversity of gut microbiota and associations of microbial species with body composition parameters and biomarkers of obesity in human subjects participating in a weight loss program. The probiotic component of the synbiotic used in the study contained Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum and the prebiotic component was a galactooligosaccharide mixture. The results showed no statistically significant differences in body composition (body mass, BMI, body fat mass, body fat percentage, body lean mass, and bone mineral content) between the placebo and synbiotic groups at the end of the clinical trial (3-month intervention, 20 human subjects participating in weight loss intervention based on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, reduced energy diet). Synbiotic supplementation increased the abundance of gut bacteria associated with positive health effects, especially Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and it also appeared to increase the gut microbiota richness. A decreasing trend in the gut microbiota diversity in the placebo and synbiotic groups was observed at the end of trial, which may imply the effect of the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet used in the weight loss program. Regression analysis performed to correlate abundance of species following supplementation with body composition parameters and biomarkers of obesity found an association between a decrease over time in blood glucose and an increase in Lactobacillus abundance, particularly in the synbiotic group. However, the decrease over time in body mass, BMI, waist circumstance, and body fat mass was associated with a decrease in Bifidobacterium abundance. The results obtained support the conclusion that synbiotic supplement used in this clinical trial modulates human gut microbiota by increasing abundance of potentially beneficial microbial species.
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Nutritional Intervention for a Patient with Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: a Case Report.
Lee, HO, Choi, SI, Jeong, IK
Clinical nutrition research. 2020;9(2):157-162
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Bariatric surgery improves obesity-related complications by reducing body weight and recovering body functions. In order to recover quickly after surgery, continuous nutrition management is required. The aim of the medical institution was to examine the contents of nutritional arbitration conducted on patients who underwent gastric surgery, examine the results, identify the nutritional problems that can be seen through the course of the patient's meal process, and share the clinical experience. This study is a case report of a 46-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with morbid obesity, impaired fasting glucose (blood sugar) and hypertension. Results show that: - the patient did not lose weight preoperatively because she thought she would be unable to eat postoperatively and did not change her eating habits. - Blood sugar and blood lipid levels improved after weight loss. - The patient’s biochemical data showed no nutritional deficiency. Author concludes that for stomach surgery patients, a multidisciplinary approach and continuous nutritional management, motivation for weight loss, postoperative dietary adaptation, and individual access to patients are most important.
Abstract
Nutritional intervention for individual patients has a wide range of postoperative food adaptability, so an individual evaluation is required. The medical institution intends to examine the contents of nutritional arbitration conducted on patients who underwent gastric surgery, examine the results, identify the nutritional problems that can be seen through the course of the patient's meal process, and share the clinical experience. In this case study, a 46-year-old female patient was diagnosed with morbid obesity, impaired fasting glucose and hypertension. She was 153 cm tall and weighed 88 kg, with a body mass index 37.6 kg/m2 at initial evaluation. The patient maintained normal biochemical data before and after surgery and shows postoperative weight loss, body fat reduction, and abdominal fat reduction. In this case, blood sugar and blood lipid levels improved after weight loss. The repeated nutritional intervention for a sleeve gastrectomy patient, which is performed by clinical dietitians, is as follows. A balanced diet, supplemented with vitamins and minerals, is very important for preventing nutritional complications after obesity surgery. In conclusion, for stomach surgery patients, a multidisciplinary approach and continuous nutritional management, motivation for weight loss, postoperative dietary adaptation, and individual access to patients are most important.
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A Snack Formulated with Ingredients to Slow Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption Reduces the Glycemic Response in Humans: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Rebello, CJ, Johnson, WD, Pan, Y, Larrivee, S, Zhang, D, Nisbet, M, Johnson, J, Chu, Y, Greenway, FL
Journal of medicinal food. 2020;23(1):21-28
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The rate, extent, and location of carbohydrate digestion and absorption are factors that influence metabolic outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a savoury snack (Test-snack) on the glycaemic response [changes in blood glucose after consuming a carbohydrate-containing food] in humans. The study is randomized, controlled crossover trial which enrolled twenty subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years. Each subject was randomly assigned to one of six unique orders for receiving the three interventions. Results show that the Test-snack formulated with ingredients and processes to slow carbohydrate digestion lowered the glycaemic response compared to the Control-snack. Furthermore, slowing of starch digestion influences subjective appetite ratings independent of the glycaemic response. Authors conclude that foods designed to slow starch digestion can help consumers meet their need to moderate the postprandial [after a meal] glycaemic response.
Abstract
This study compared the effect of a snack with ingredients to slow carbohydrate digestion (Test-snack) on postprandial blood glucose and insulin concentrations and subjective appetite ratings. We hypothesized that Test-snack would lower glucose and insulin responses and reduce appetite compared with a Control-snack. Overweight or obese subjects (n = 17) completed a randomized crossover study. Glucose, insulin, and appetite ratings were measured before consuming each snack or white bread (Bread) and over a period of 4 h. Subjects received Test-snack, Control-snack, or Bread in random order at least a week apart. The a priori primary outcome was the glucose response, and the secondary outcomes were appetite ratings and insulin responses. Mixed effects statistical models were used to perform analysis of variance in terms of the area under curve (AUC) and at specific time points. The 2-h AUC for glucose was significantly lower with Test-snack compared to Control-snack and Bread (AUC and 95% confidence intervals: Test = 2186.43 [1783.36-2589.51]; Control = 3293.75 [2893.97-3693.54]; Bread = 2800.28 [2405.79-3194.77] mg/dL · min). Four-hour AUC for glucose, and insulin, followed a similar pattern except that Test-snack did not differ from Bread. The glucose concentrations peaked at 45 min under all three conditions, but Test-snack elicited a lower response than Control-snack and Bread (P < .01). Test increased fullness and satisfaction and reduced hunger and prospective intake compared to Bread (P < .02), but was not significantly different from Control-snack. Ingredients that slow carbohydrate digestion in a snack reduce the postprandial glucose and insulin responses compared to a product without these ingredients.
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Natural Choline from Egg Yolk Phospholipids Is More Efficiently Absorbed Compared with Choline Bitartrate; Outcomes of A Randomized Trial in Healthy Adults.
Smolders, L, de Wit, NJW, Balvers, MGJ, Obeid, R, Vissers, MMM, Esser, D
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
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Choline is a water-soluble vitamin-like essential nutrient. Although the liver can produce small amounts of choline, choline needs to be obtained through the diet to avoid deficiencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate choline bioavailability in healthy adults after the consumption of an egg yolk phospholipid drink and compare it to a control drink containing chemically produced choline. The study was a randomized, cross-over, double blind, controlled trial which recruited eighteen healthy adults (n = 7 men and n = 11 women) with an age range between 30 and 70 years. The two test drinks were administered in randomized order. Results showed that choline is better absorbed when it is consumed in the natural form; choline absorption was 4 times higher when compared to egg yolk phospholipid consumption with chemically produced choline. Authors conclude that their findings can be particularly relevant for the development of infant formula, supplements and functional foods. They suggest that instead of adding choline as a salt, adding choline from egg yolk phospholipids can improve choline uptake and, thereby, have a positive impact on health.
Abstract
Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient, important throughout one's lifespan. Therefore, choline salts are added to infant formula, supplements and functional foods. However, if choline is present in a natural form, e.g. bound to phospholipids, it may be more efficiently absorbed. The study's aim was to evaluate if choline uptake is improved after consumption of an egg yolk phospholipid drink, containing 3 g of phospholipid bound choline, compared to a control drink with 3 g of choline bitartrate. We performed a randomized, double blind, cross-over trial with 18 participants. Plasma choline, betaine and dimethylglycine concentrations were determined before and up to six hours after consumption of the drinks. The plasma choline response, as determined by the incremental area under the curve, was four times higher after consumption of the egg yolk phospholipid drink compared with the control drink (p < 0.01). Similar outcomes were also observed for choline's main metabolites, betaine (p < 0.01) and dimethylglycine (p = 0.01). Consumption of natural choline from egg yolk phospholipids improved choline absorption compared to consumption of chemically produced choline bitartrate. This information is of relevance for the food industry, instead of adding choline-salts, adding choline from egg yolk phospholipids can improve choline uptake and positively impact health.
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Dietary supplementation with inulin-propionate ester or inulin improves insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight and obesity with distinct effects on the gut microbiota, plasma metabolome and systemic inflammatory responses: a randomised cross-over trial.
Chambers, ES, Byrne, CS, Morrison, DJ, Murphy, KG, Preston, T, Tedford, C, Garcia-Perez, I, Fountana, S, Serrano-Contreras, JI, Holmes, E, et al
Gut. 2019;68(8):1430-1438
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Literature shows that higher intakes of dietary fibre are associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The main aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind improvements in glucose homeostasis following long-term delivery of propionate (a short-chain fatty acid produced by human gut microbiota in response to dietary fibre) to the human colon. The study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross over trial. Fourteen participants randomly received 20 g/day of a low-fermentable fibre control, a high-fermentable fibre control and inulin-propionate ester (IPE) for 42 days each. Results indicate that stool concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were not different following the three supplementation periods. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with 20 g/day IPE promoted no superior impacts on measures of glucose homeostasis compared with inulin (high-fermentable fibre), yet both IPE and inulin improved insulin resistance relative to cellulose (low-fermentable fibre). Authors conclude that manipulating the colonic fermentation profile of a dietary fibre in favour of propionate promotes selective effects on the mechanisms that contribute to metabolic dysregulation.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the underlying mechanisms behind changes in glucose homeostasis with delivery of propionate to the human colon by comprehensive and coordinated analysis of gut bacterial composition, plasma metabolome and immune responses. DESIGN Twelve non-diabetic adults with overweight and obesity received 20 g/day of inulin-propionate ester (IPE), designed to selectively deliver propionate to the colon, a high-fermentable fibre control (inulin) and a low-fermentable fibre control (cellulose) in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Outcome measurements of metabolic responses, inflammatory markers and gut bacterial composition were analysed at the end of each 42-day supplementation period. RESULTS Both IPE and inulin supplementation improved insulin resistance compared with cellulose supplementation, measured by homeostatic model assessment 2 (mean±SEM 1.23±0.17 IPE vs 1.59±0.17 cellulose, p=0.001; 1.17±0.15 inulin vs 1.59±0.17 cellulose, p=0.009), with no differences between IPE and inulin (p=0.272). Fasting insulin was only associated positively with plasma tyrosine and negatively with plasma glycine following inulin supplementation. IPE supplementation decreased proinflammatory interleukin-8 levels compared with cellulose, while inulin had no impact on the systemic inflammatory markers studied. Inulin promoted changes in gut bacterial populations at the class level (increased Actinobacteria and decreased Clostridia) and order level (decreased Clostridiales) compared with cellulose, with small differences at the species level observed between IPE and cellulose. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate a distinctive physiological impact of raising colonic propionate delivery in humans, as improvements in insulin sensitivity promoted by IPE and inulin were accompanied with different effects on the plasma metabolome, gut bacterial populations and markers of systemic inflammation.
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Daily Intake of Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) Modulates Systemic and Upper Airways Immune/Inflammatory Responses in Marathon Runners.
Vaisberg, M, Paixão, V, Almeida, EB, Santos, JMB, Foster, R, Rossi, M, Pithon-Curi, TC, Gorjão, R, Momesso, CM, Andrade, MS, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(7)
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Athletes undergoing high-intensity efforts show increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), both in the context of competitions and during strenuous training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the daily intake of fermented milk (containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota) on the systemic and upper airway immune/inflammatory responses before and after a race in marathon runners who previously reported upper respiratory symptoms (URS) after an exhaustive physical exercise session. The study is a double-blind randomised clinical study which recruited 42 male amateur marathon runners with an average age of 39 years. The participants were randomly separated into two groups: Lactobacillus casei Shirota group (n=20) or the placebo group (n=22). Results indicate that daily ingestion of fermented milk (containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota) was able to control both immunological and inflammatory responses in the blood and also in the upper airways mucosal of amateurs´ runners after a marathon. Authors conclude that Lactobacillus casei Shirota is able to modulate the systemic and airways immune responses post-marathon, presenting protective effects.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) can benefit the immune status, the effects of LcS in the immune/inflammatory responses of marathon runners has never been evaluated. Therefore, here we evaluated the effect of daily ingestion of fermented milk containing or not LcS in the systemic and upper airway immune/inflammatory responses before and after a marathon. METHODS Forty-two male marathon runners ingested a fermented milk containing 40 billion of LcS/day (LcS group, n = 20) or placebo (unfermented milk, n = 22) during 30 days pre-marathon. Immune/inflammatory parameters in nasal mucosa and serum, as well as concentrations of secretory IgA (SIgA) and antimicrobial peptides in saliva, were evaluated before and after fermented milk ingestion, immediately, 72 h, and 14 d post-marathon. RESULTS Higher proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum and nasal mucosa, and also lower salivary levels of SIgA and antimicrobial peptides, were found immediately post-marathon in the placebo group compared to other time points and to LcS group. In opposite, higher anti-inflammatory levels and reduced neutrophil infiltration on nasal mucosa were found in the LcS group compared to other time points and to the placebo group. CONCLUSION For the first time, it is shown that LcS is able to modulate the systemic and airways immune responses post-marathon.
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A Plant-Based Meal Increases Gastrointestinal Hormones and Satiety More Than an Energy- and Macronutrient-Matched Processed-Meat Meal in T2D, Obese, and Healthy Men: A Three-Group Randomized Crossover Study.
Klementova, M, Thieme, L, Haluzik, M, Pavlovicova, R, Hill, M, Pelikanova, T, Kahleova, H
Nutrients. 2019;11(1)
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Obesity substantially increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Lifestyle change, including improved dietary choices, represents a primary prevention tool. The study’s hypothesis is that plant-based meal produces higher levels of gastrointestinal hormones and increased satiety in men with type 2 diabetes or obesity while having a negligible effect on healthy men. The study is randomised crossover study which enrolled 60 men aged between 30 – 65 years: 20 men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 20 obese and 20 healthy controls with two interventions (vegan or processed meat meal). Results indicate that greater satiety was reported by all men following the vegan meal. The difference between the meals was noticeable also in healthy volunteers. Authors conclude that plant-based meals with tofu may be an effective tool to increase postprandial (after a meal) secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, as wells as promote satiety, compared to processed meat and cheese in healthy, obese and diabetic men.
Abstract
Gastrointestinal hormones are involved in regulation of glucose metabolism and satiety. We tested the acute effect of meal composition on these hormones in three population groups. A randomized crossover design was used to examine the effects of two energy- and macronutrient-matched meals: a processed-meat and cheese (M-meal) and a vegan meal with tofu (V-meal) on gastrointestinal hormones, and satiety in men with type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 20), obese men (O, n = 20), and healthy men (H, n = 20). Plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1), amylin, and peptide YY (PYY) were determined at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min. Visual analogue scale was used to assess satiety. We used repeated-measures Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for statistical analysis. Postprandial secretion of GLP-1 increased after the V-meal in T2D (by 30.5%; 95%CI 21.2 to 40.7%; p < 0.001) and H (by 15.8%; 95%CI 8.6 to 23.5%; p = 0.01). Postprandial plasma concentrations of amylin increased in in all groups after the V-meal: by 15.7% in T2D (95%CI 11.8 to 19.6%; p < 0.001); by 11.5% in O (95%CI 7.8 to 15.3%; p = 0.03); and by 13.8% in H (95%CI 8.4 to 19.5%; p < 0.001). An increase in postprandial values of PYY after the V-meal was significant only in H (by 18.9%; 95%CI 7.5 to 31.3%; p = 0.03). Satiety was greater in all participants after the V-meal: by 9% in T2D (95%CI 4.4 to 13.6%; p = 0.004); by 18.7% in O (95%CI 12.8 to 24.6%; p < 0.001); and by 25% in H (95%CI 18.2 to 31.7%; p < 0.001). Our results indicate there is an increase in gut hormones and satiety, following consumption of a single plant-based meal with tofu when compared with an energy- and macronutrient-matched processed-meat meat and cheese meal, in healthy, obese and diabetic men.
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Mixed Spices at Culinary Doses Have Prebiotic Effects in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study.
Lu, QY, Rasmussen, AM, Yang, J, Lee, RP, Huang, J, Shao, P, Carpenter, CL, Gilbuena, I, Thames, G, Henning, SM, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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An increasing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota has a profound impact on human health. While the microbiome of a healthy individual is relatively stable, gut microbial dynamics can be influenced by host lifestyle and dietary choices. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mixed spices (cinnamon, oregano, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper) at culinary doses consumed over 2 weeks in a standardized 5g capsule on the production of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids The study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study carried out with a total of 31 healthy women and men aged between 18 and 65. The subjects were randomly allocated to one of the two intervention groups. Results indicate that daily intake of 5g of mixed spices for 2 weeks in healthy subjects resulted in a significant reduction in the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes (bacteria), and a trend of increasing in phylum Bacteroidetes (bacteria) as compared with a matched control group. Authors conclude that a mixture of spices at culinary doses affects the composition of gut microbiota.
Abstract
Spices were used as food preservatives prior to the advent of refrigeration, suggesting the possibility of effects on microbiota. Previous studies have shown prebiotic activities in animals and in vitro, but there has not been a demonstration of prebiotic or postbiotic effects at culinary doses in humans. In this randomized placebo-controlled study, we determined in twenty-nine healthy adults the effects on the gut microbiota of the consumption daily of capsules containing 5 g of mixed spices at culinary doses by comparison to a matched control group consuming a maltodextrin placebo capsule. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data were used for microbial characterization. Spice consumption resulted in a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.033) and a trend of enrichment in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.097) compared to placebo group. Twenty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were different between the spice and placebo groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fecal short-chain fatty acid propionate concentration and Firmicutes abundance in spice intervention group (p < 0.04). The production of individual fecal short-chain fatty acid was not significantly changed by spice consumption in this study. Mixed spices consumption significantly modified gut microbiota, suggesting a prebiotic effect of spice consumption at culinary doses.
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Role of whole grains versus fruits and vegetables in reducing subclinical inflammation and promoting gastrointestinal health in individuals affected by overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial.
Kopf, JC, Suhr, MJ, Clarke, J, Eyun, SI, Riethoven, JM, Ramer-Tait, AE, Rose, DJ
Nutrition journal. 2018;17(1):72
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Poor diet is the leading risk factor for premature death and disability in the United States. Poor diets lead to metabolic syndrome and its associated diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of increasing intake of wholegrains or fruit and vegetables against a typical Western diet on inflammatory makers and gut microbiota composition. The study was a randomized, parallel arm feeding trial which enrolled fifty-two participants. The subjects were randomized into three groups (control, wholegrains, and fruit and vegetables). Results indicate that the wholegrain and fruit and vegetable diets had significant positive impacts on inflammatory markers. Interestingly, while both treatment groups decreased inflammatory markers, each decreased a different biomarker. The treatments induced individualised changes in microbiota composition such that treatment group differences were not identified. Authors conclude that wholegrain and fruit and vegetable diets have a positive impact on metabolic health in individuals affected by overweight or obesity.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole grains (WG) and fruits and vegetables (FV) have been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic disease, possibly via modulation of the gut microbiota. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of increasing intake of either WG or FV on inflammatory markers and gut microbiota composition. METHODS A randomized parallel arm feeding trial was completed on forty-nine subjects with overweight or obesity and low intakes of FV and WG. Individuals were randomized into three groups (3 servings/d provided): WG, FV, and a control (refined grains). Stool and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks. Inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were measured. Stool sample analysis included short/branched chain fatty acids (S/BCFA) and microbiota composition. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in LBP for participants on the WG (- 0.2 μg/mL, p = 0.02) and FV (- 0.2 μg/mL, p = 0.005) diets, with no change in those on the control diet (0.1 μg/mL, p = 0.08). The FV diet induced a significant change in IL-6 (- 1.5 pg/mL, p = 0.006), but no significant change was observed for the other treatments (control, - 0.009 pg/mL, p = 0.99; WG, - 0.29, p = 0.68). The WG diet resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α (- 3.7 pg/mL; p < 0.001), whereas no significant effects were found for those on the other diets (control, - 0.6 pg/mL, p = 0.6; FV, - 1.4 pg/mL, p = 0.2). The treatments induced individualized changes in microbiota composition such that treatment group differences were not identified, except for a significant increase in α-diversity in the FV group. The proportions of Clostridiales (Firmicutes phylum) at baseline were correlated with the magnitude of change in LBP during the study. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that WG and FV intake can have positive effects on metabolic health; however, different markers of inflammation were reduced on each diet suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects were facilitated via different mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effects were not related to changes in gut microbiota composition during the intervention, but were correlated with microbiota composition at baseline. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02602496 , Nov 4, 2017.