A randomized triple-masked controlled trial on the effects of synbiotics on inflammation markers in overweight children

OBJECTIVE:the low degree of inflammation in obesity contributes to systemic metabolic dysfunction. Recent experimental studies proposed some effects of alteration in gut microbiota on inflammatory factors. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of a synbiotic supplement on inflammation markers in overweight and obese children and adolescents.METHODS:this randomized triple-masked controlled trial was conducted among 70 participants aged 6 to 18 years, with a body mass index (BMI) equal or higher than the 85th percentile. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number to receive synbiotic or placebo for eight weeks.RESULTS:fifty-six of 70 participants (80%) completed the study. Compared with the placebo group, the synbiotic group had significant decrease in mean values of tumor necrosis-α and interleukin-6, with significant increase in adiponectin; these changes were no longer significant after adjustment for BMI. There was no significant change in the mean values of high-sensitive C-reactive protein.CONCLUSION:the present findings suggest the positive influence of synbiotic supplementation on inflammation factors, which are dependent to its effect on weight reduction in overweight and obese children.