title: A mixture of trans-galactooligosaccharides reduces markers of metabolic syndrome and modulates the fecal microbiota and immune function of overweight adults.
abstract: Metabolic syndrome is a set of disorders that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiota is altered toward a less beneficial composition in overweight adults and this change can be accompanied by inflammation. Prebiotics such as galactooligosaccharides can positively modify the gut microbiota and immune system; some may also reduce blood lipids. We assessed the effect of a galactooligosaccharide mixture [Bi2muno (B-GOS)] on markers of metabolic syndrome, gut microbiota, and immune function in 45 overweight adults with ≥3 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in a double-blind, randomized, placebo (maltodextrin)-controlled, crossover study (with a 4-wk wash-out period between interventions). Whole blood, saliva, feces, and anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning, wk 6, and end of each 12-wk intervention period. Predominant groups of fecal bacteria were quantified and full blood count, markers of inflammation and lipid metabolism, insulin, and glucose were measured. B-GOS increased the number of fecal bifidobacteria at the expense of less desirable groups of bacteria. Increases in fecal secretory IgA and decreases in fecal calprotectin, plasma C-reactive protein, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), TG, and the TC:HDL cholesterol ratio were also observed. Administration of B-GOS to overweight adults resulted in positive effects on the composition of the gut microbiota, the immune response, and insulin, TC, and TG concentrations. B-GOS may be a useful candidate for the enhancement of gastrointestinal health, immune function, and the reduction of metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Food Microbial Sciences, and.
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vulevic
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Juric
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tzortzis
authors.forename: Glenn R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005690:Galactose / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D054892:Metagenome / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050177:Overweight / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D056692:Prebiotics; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007328:Insulin; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; D008055:Lipids; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D056692:Prebiotics; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D005690:Galactose