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Potential Modulation of Inflammation and Physical Function by Combined Probiotics, Omega-3 Supplementation and Vitamin D Supplementation in Overweight/Obese Patients with Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

  • 2023-05-10
  • International journal of molecular sciences 24(10)
    • Lena Kopp
    • Anna Schweinlin
    • Lina Tingö
    • Ashley N Hutchinson
    • Viktoria Feit
    • Tabea Jähnichen
    • Katja Lehnert
    • Walter Vetter
    • Andreas Rings
    • Morten G Jensen
    • Robert J Brummer
    • Stephan C Bischoff

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 76
Population
76 adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 28 to 40) and low-grade inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) between 2 and 10 mg/L)
Methods
Double-blinded, randomized clinical trial; daily intake of a multi-strain probiotic of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, 640 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), and 200 IU of vitamin D or placebo, administered for 8 weeks
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
8 weeks
  • Rigorous Journal
Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation and increased gut permeability. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of a nutritional supplement on these parameters in subjects with overweight and obesity. A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 76 adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 28 to 40) and low-grade inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) between 2 and 10 mg/L). The intervention consisted of a daily intake of a multi-strain probiotic of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, 640 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), and 200 IU of vitamin D (n = 37) or placebo (n = 39), administered for 8 weeks. hs-CRP levels did not change post-intervention, other than an unexpected slight increase observed in the treatment group. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels decreased in the treatment group (p = 0.018). The plasma fatty acid (FA) levels of the arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio and n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) decreased, and physical function and mobility improved in the treatment group (p = 0.006). The results suggest that hs-CRP may not be the most useful inflammatory marker, but probiotics, n-3 FAs, and vitamin D, as non-pharmaceutical supplements, may exert modest effects on inflammation, plasma FA levels, and physical function in patients with overweight and obesity and associated low-grade inflammation.

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