THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN ATTENUATING INFLAMMATION AND IMPROVING GUT HEALTH IN OBESE ADULTS

Previous studies have demonstrated that probiotic bacteria (bacteria that have a health benefit) can modulate the immune system and alter inflammatory outcomes; however, the results vary by type of organism. We have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect of one type of probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 when BB-12 is delivered in yogurt, but not when BB-12 is delivered in capsule form in healthy adults. These data suggest that how probiotcs are packaged influences how they modulate the immune system. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in a yogurt matrix at a on inflammatory responses, gut permeability and microbiome changes in older, obese adults with metabolic syndrome (age 55-70) in a randomized, double blinded, 2-period crossover, free-living study to determine if probiotic consumption can attenuate inflammation and improve gut health in obese adults. Our working hypothesis is that consumption of BB-12 in yogurt will reduce systemic inflammation in obese, older subjects. These changes will be accompanied by an improvement in gut barrier integrity and/or an alteration in gut microbiota. In particular, we are focusing on obese, older adults with metabolic syndrome because this population will likely have elevated inflammatory mediators; is prevalent in the U.S. population; and if successful, probiotic consumption in yogurt may be a low cost, low risk intervention to recommend to reduce chronic inflammation in this population.