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.

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.

Potential Modulation of Inflammation by Probiotic and Omega-3 Supplementation in Elderly with Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Probiotic and omega-3 supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation, and dual supplementation may have synergistic health effects. We investigated if the novel combination of a multi-strain probiotic (containing B. lactis Bi-07, L. paracasei Lpc-37, L. acidophilus NCFM, and B. lactis Bl-04) alongside omega-3 supplements reduces low-grade inflammation as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in elderly participants in a proof-of-concept, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study (NCT04126330). In this case, 76 community-dwelling elderly participants (median: 71.0 years; IQR: 68.0-73.8) underwent an intervention with the dual supplement (n = 37) or placebo (n = 39) for eight weeks. In addition to hs-CRP, cytokine levels and intestinal permeability were also assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention. No significant difference was seen for hs-CRP between the dual supplement group and placebo. However, interestingly, supplementation did result in significant increases in the level of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10. In addition, dual supplementation increased levels of valeric acid, further suggesting the potential of the supplements in reducing inflammation and conferring health benefits. Together, the results suggest that probiotic and omega-3 dual supplementation exerts modest effects on inflammation and may have potential use as a non-pharmacological treatment for low-grade inflammation in the elderly.

Wholegrain vs. refined wheat bread and pasta. Effect on postprandial glycemia, appetite, and subsequent ad libitum energy intake in young healthy adults.

Wholegrain foods have received much attention in recent years, and have been proposed to play a role in energy regulation through lowering of postprandial glycemia and appetite. This randomized crossover single meal study in 16 young adults was conducted to test the effect of iso-caloric meals based on wholemeal wheat breads and pasta in comparison to similar refined wheat products on postprandial glycemia, appetite and ad libitum energy intake (EI). Test meals (50 g carbohydrates; 2MJ) consisted of refined wheat bread (RWB), wholegrain wheat bread (WWB), refined wheat pasta (RWP) and wholegrain wheat pasta (WWP) and were served after an overnight fast. Appetite ratings and blood glucose were assessed for 180 min after which an ad libitum lunch meal was served and EI measured. The 180 min glucose responses were similar for wholemeal and refined products, but pasta meals gave significantly lower glucose responses. Only RWP had a lower glycemic index compared to RWB. WWB, but not WWP, resulted in increased satiety and reduced hunger compared to RWB. Ad libitum EI did not differ. In conclusion, the results show that wholemeal breads increased satiety measures compared to their refined counterparts; however no significant effect on subsequent EI was observed.

Barley beta-glucans varying in molecular mass and oligomer structure affect cecal fermentation and microbial composition but not blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats.

There is an unmet need for appealing and functional barley ß-glucan (BG) food matrices that can provide sufficient and active BG doses to consumers. We investigated how molecular mass and oligomer structure important for BG food and health properties affected plasma lipids and gut parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats. Following 3 weeks on a high-cholestrol diet, rats were given a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with either cellulose (control) or purified barley BGs with low (100 or 150 kDa; glucagel or lowBG, respectively) or medium (530 kDa; mediumBG) molecular masses varying in cellotriosyl/cellotetraosyl oligomer ratio for 4 weeks. All four diets (control, glucagel, lowBG or mediumBG) reduced plasma triacylglycerol and cholesterols from week 3 to 7. The BG diets increased cecal production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control diet. The glucagel and lowBG diets stimulated the number of Bifidobacterium in the cecum, whereas the mediumBG diet reduced numbers of both Bacteroides/Prevotella and Lactobacillus in the cecum compared to the control diet. In conclusion, barley BGs at 6.5-7.5% of the diet independent of molecular mass and oligomer block structure showed no additional effect compared to the control treatment on blood cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in this hypercholesterolemic rat model. Furthermore, the cecal fermentation pattern and microbial composition did not seem to affect plasma lipid composition.

Direct study of fluorescently-labelled barley ß-glucan fate in an in vitro human colon digestion model.

ß-Glucans from cereals are ß(1-3)(1-4)-mixed linkage linear homopolysaccharides of D-glucopyranosyl residues, recently recognised as functional components of foods with benefits in maintaining the health of the digestive tract not least through a prebiotic effect. Here we describe the development of methodology to facilitate the study of ß-glucans as prebiotics. Relatively short ß-glucan fragments (DP 6-50) were produced by partial hydrolysis of ß-glucan fibres with Lichenase then functionalised at their reducing end with a tetramethylrhodamine dye. Their enzymatic break down by human colon microbiota in an in vitro fermentation model was examined. Digestion products were isolated by virtue of their fluorescence labels, identified and characterised using capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Complete digestion of the labelled substrates was indicated, as fluorescently labelled glucose was obtained as the final product. Furthermore, a pathway of enzymatic breakdown was proposed on the basis of a time course experiment; initial fast hydrolysis with an endo-1,3(4)-ß-glucanase was followed by slow degradation with an exo-1,4-ß-glucanase and finally slow action of an exo-1,3-ß-glucanase.

Probing interactions between ß-glucan and bile salts at atomic detail by ¹H-¹³C NMR assays.

Polysaccharides are prospective hosts for the delivery and sequestration of bioactive guest molecules. Polysaccharides of dietary fiber, specifically cereal (1 → 3)(1 → 4)-ß-glucans, play a role in lowering the blood plasma cholesterol level in humans. Direct host-guest interactions between ß-glucans and conjugated bile salts are among the possible molecular mechanisms explaining the hypocholesterolemic effects of ß-glucans. The present study shows that (1)H-(13)C NMR assays on a time scale of minutes detect minute signal changes in both bile salts and ß-glucans, thus indicating dynamic interactions between bile salts and ß-glucans. Experiments are consistent with stronger interactions at pH 5.3 than at pH 6.5 in this in vitro assay. The changes in bile salt and ß-glucan signals suggest a stabilization of bile salt micelles and concomitant conformational changes in ß-glucans.

Flaxseed dietary fibers lower cholesterol and increase fecal fat excretion, but magnitude of effect depend on food type.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fibers have been proposed to play a role in cardiovascular risk as well as body weight management. Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fibers, and a large proportion of these are water-soluble viscous fibers. METHOD: Here, we examine the effect of flaxseed dietary fibers in different food matrices on blood lipids and fecal excretion of fat and energy in a double-blind randomized crossover study with 17 subjects. Three different 7-d diets were tested: a low-fiber control diet (Control), a diet with flaxseed fiber drink (3/day) (Flax drink), and a diet with flaxseed fiber bread (3/day) (Flax bread). Total fat and energy excretion was measured in feces, blood samples were collected before and after each period, and appetite sensation registered 3 times daily before main meals. RESULTS: Compared to control, Flax drink lowered fasting total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol by 12 and 15%, respectively, (p < 0.01), whereas Flax bread only produced a reduction of 7 and 9%, respectively (p < 0.05). Fecal fat and energy excretion increased by 50 and 23% with Flax drink consumption compared to control (p < 0.05), but only fecal fat excretion was increased with Flax bread compared to control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both Flax drink and Flax bread resulted in decreased plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and increased fat excretion, but the food matrix and/or processing may be of importance. Viscous flaxseed dietary fibers may be a useful tool for lowering blood cholesterol and potentially play a role in energy balance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00953004.