Effects of 60-Day Saccharomyces boulardii and Superoxide Dismutase Supplementation on Body Composition, Hunger Sensation, Pro/Antioxidant Ratio, Inflammation and Hormonal Lipo-Metabolic Biomarkers in Obese Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

In animals it has been demonstrated that Saccharomyces boulardii and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) decrease low-grade inflammation and that S. boulardii can also decrease adiposity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 60-day S. boulardii and SOD supplementation on circulating markers of inflammation, body composition, hunger sensation, pro/antioxidant ratio, hormonal, lipid profile, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR, in obese adults (BMI 30-35 kg/m2). Twenty-five obese adults were randomly assigned to intervention (8/4 women/men, 57 ± 8 years) or Placebo (9/4 women/men, 50 ± 9 years). Intervention group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease of body weight, BMI, fat mass, insulin, HOMA Index and uric acid. Patients in intervention and control groups showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of GLP-1. Intervention group showed an increase (p < 0.05) of Vitamin D as well. In conclusion, the 60-day S. boulardii-SOD supplementation in obese subjects determined a significant weight loss with consequent decrease on fat mass, with preservation of fat free mass. The decrease of HOMA index and uric acid, produced additional benefits in obesity management. The observed increase in vitamin D levels in treated group requires further investigation.

Keywords: Saccharomyces boulardii; obesity; superoxide dismutase.