Frontiers in Nutrition (Nov 2024)

Effect of synbiotic supplementation on obesity and gut microbiota in obese adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

  • Xiaokang Niu,
  • Qi Zhang,
  • Julong Liu,
  • Yuyang Zhao,
  • Nan Shang,
  • Shusen Li,
  • Yinghua Liu,
  • Wei Xiong,
  • Erna Sun,
  • Yong Zhang,
  • Hongfeng Zhao,
  • Yixuan Li,
  • Pengjie Wang,
  • Bing Fang,
  • Liang Zhao,
  • Juan Chen,
  • Fuqing Wang,
  • Guofang Pang,
  • Chenyuan Wang,
  • Jingjing He,
  • Ran Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1510318
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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BackgroundSynbiotics, combining specific probiotics and selected prebiotics, may benefit health issues like obesity, but evidence remains inconsistent.ObjectiveThis study aimed to verify the effect of a pre-screened synbiotics combination [containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MN-Gup (MN-Gup), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS)] on obesity in the population.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 individuals with obesity consumed daily synbiotics (containing MN-Gup 1 × 1011 CFU/day, GOS 0.7 g/day, and XOS 0.7 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Body composition, blood lipids, serum hormone, bile acids, and gut microbiota were measured pre-and post-intervention.ResultsSynbiotics supplementation significantly decreased body fat percentage, waist, and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased peptide YY, cholecystokinin, oxyntomodulin, GSH (glutathione peroxidase) in individuals with obesity. Additionally, synbiotic supplementation led to an enrichment of beneficial bacteria and bile acids chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Bifidobacterium and Romboutsia were significantly positively correlated with CDCA. A more favorable effect was observed in individuals with obesity and abnormal LDL-C compared to those without dyslipidemia.ConclusionTwelve-week synbiotics intervention reduced body fat percentage, waist, and serum LDL-C, especially in individuals with obesity and abnormal LDL-C. The possible mechanisms may be related to changes in gut microbiota, bile acids and gut hormones.Clinical trial registrationChictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200064156.

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