Synbiotic Food Consumption Reduces Levels of Triacylglycerols and VLDL, but not Cholesterol, LDL, or HDL in Plasma from Pregnant Women Consumption of Synbiotic Bread Decreases Triacylglycerol and VLDL Levels While Increasing HDL Levels in Serum from Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Effects of a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4962 on plasma lipid profiles and morphology of erythrocytes in hypercholesterolaemic pigs on high- and low-fat diets. Effects of synbiotic on anthropometry, lipid profile and oxidative stress in obese children. The effects of synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance/sensitivity, lipid profile and total antioxidant capacity in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The effect of synbiotics pomegranate juice on cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS patients: a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled trial Combined effects of synbiotic and sitagliptin versus sitagliptin alone in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Effects of synbiotic food consumption on glycemic status and serum hs-CRP in pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial Epidemiologic Evidence on Serum Adiponectin Level and Lipid Profile Perioperative synbiotic therapy in elderly patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery: a prospective, randomized control trial. Effect of a New Synbiotic Mixture on Atopic Dermatitis in Children: a Randomized-Controlled Trial Effects of Synbiotic Food Consumption on Serum Minerals, Liver Enzymes, and Blood Pressure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-blind Randomized Cross-over Controlled Clinical Trial Synbiotics Easing Renal Failure by Improving Gut Microbiology (SYNERGY): A Randomized Trial. The Consumption of Synbiotic Bread Containing Lactobacillus sporogenes and Inulin Affects Nitric Oxide and Malondialdehyde in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Synbiotic modulation of gut flora: effect on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of synbiotic yogurt effect on the health of children. Synbiotic supplementation in lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Dietary synbiotics reduce cancer risk factors in polypectomized and colon cancer patients. A human, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplementation: effects on luminal, inflammatory, epigenetic, and epithelial biomarkers of colorectal cancer. Impact of ageing and a synbiotic on the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccination; a randomised controlled trial Beneficial Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation on Hepatic Steatosis and Anthropometric Parameters, But Not on Gut Permeability in a Population with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis A multi-strain Synbiotic may reduce viral respiratory infections in asthmatic children: a randomized controlled trial Randomised clinical trial of synbiotic therapy in elective surgical patients
To our knowledge , no reports are available indicating the effects of synbiotic food consumption on blood lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress among pregnant women . This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of a synbiotic food on blood lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women . This r and omized , double-blind , controlled clinical trial was performed among 52 primigravida pregnant women , aged 18 to 35-year-old at their third trimester . After a 2-week run-in period , subjects were r and omly assigned to consume either a synbiotic ( n = 26 ) or control food ( n = 26 ) for 9 weeks . The synbiotic food consisted of a probiotic viable and heat-resistant Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 107 CFU ) and 0.04 g inulin (HPX)/g as the prebiotic . Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic and control foods two times a day . Biochemical measurements including blood lipid profiles , plasma total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) and total glutathione ( GSH ) were conducted before and after 9 weeks of intervention . Consumption of a synbiotic food for 9 weeks result ed in a significant reduction in serum TAG ( P = 0.04 ) , VLDL ( P = 0.04 ) and a significant rise in plasma GSH levels ( P = 0.004 ) compared to the control food . No significant effects of the synbiotic food consumption on serum TC , LDL , HDL and plasma TAC levels ( P > 0.05 ) were observed . Trial registry code : http://www.i rct .ir . I RCT 201212105623N3 To our knowledge , no reports are available indicating the favorable effects of synbiotic bread consumption on blood lipid profiles among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) . This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the daily consumption of synbiotic bread on blood lipid profiles of patients with T2DM . This r and omized double-blinded controlled clinical trial was performed with 78 diabetic patients , aged 35–70 years . After a 2-week run-in period , subjects were r and omly assigned to consume either synbiotic ( n = 26 ) , probiotic ( n = 26 ) or control bread ( n = 26 ) for 8 weeks . The synbiotic bread contained viable and heat-resistant probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 108 CFU ) and 0.07 g inulin ( HPX ) as prebiotic per 1 g. The probiotic bread contained L. sporogenes ( 1 × 108 CFU ) per 1 g. Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic , probiotic and control breads three times a day in a 40 g package for a total of 120 g/day . Biochemical measurements including blood lipid profiles were conducted before and after 8 weeks of intervention . Consumption of the synbiotic bread , compared to the probiotic and control breads , led to a significant decrease in serum TAG ( P = 0.005 ) , VLDL-C ( P = 0.005 ) , TC/HDL-C ( P = 0.002 ) and a significant increase in serum HDL-C levels ( P = 0.01 ) . No significant effect of synbiotic bread consumption on FPG , TC , LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels was seen compared to the probiotic and control breads ( P > 0.05 ) . Trial registry code : http://www.i rct .ir I RCT 201311215623N13 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4962 , fructooligosaccharide , inulin and mannitol on plasma lipid profiles and erythrocyte membrane properties in hypercholesterolaemic pigs on high- and low-fat diets . Twenty-four white male L and race pigs were r and omly allocated to four treatment groups for 8 weeks ( n 6 ) . Treatment factors were the supplementation of synbiotic ( with and without ) and dietary fat ( 5 and 15 % ) . The supplementation of synbiotic reduced plasma total cholesterol ( P = 0.001 ) , TAG ( P = 0.002 ) and LDL-cholesterol ( P = 0.045 ) for both dietary fats . A higher concentration of esterified-cholesterol in HDL of pigs supplemented with synbiotic than the control regardless of dietary fat ( P = 0.036 ) indicated that cholesterol was reduced in the form of cholesteryl esters . Reduced concentration of cholesteryl esters ( P < 0.001 ) and increased concentration of TAG ( P = 0.042 ) in LDL of pigs on synbiotic suggested that LDL-cholesterol was reduced via the hydrolysis of smaller and denser LDL particles . The erythrocytes of pigs without any synbiotic showed more prevalence of spur cells than those given the synbiotic , as supported by the higher cholesterol : phospholipid ratio in erythrocytes ( P = 0.001 ) . Also , membrane fluidity and rigidity were improved as supported by the decreased fluorescence anisotropies in the Hb-free erythrocyte membrane of pigs given synbiotic ( P < 0.001 ) . The administration of the synbiotic reduced plasma TAG , total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic pigs , possibly in the form of cholesteryl esters , via the interrelated pathways of lipid transporters ( VLDL , LDL and HDL ) . The synbiotic also reduced deformation of erythrocytes via improved membrane fluidity and permeability Recent studies have suggested some beneficial effects of probiotics and /or prebiotics on obesity in adults ; such experience is limited in children and adolescents . This study was an open-label , r and omised , controlled study including children with primary obesity . The first group was treated with a st and ard method with a reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity . The second group received add-on daily synbiotic supplementation during one month . The aim of this study was to evaluate potential effects of a synbiotic on anthropometric measurements , lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters . One month of supplementation of the synbiotic result ed in a significant reduction of weight ( P<0.001 ) and body mass index ( P<0.01 ) . Changes ( % reduction comparing to baseline ) in anthropometric measurements , were significantly higher in the children receiving the additional synbiotic supplement ( P<0.05 ) . The percentage of children with weight loss was higher in the synbiotic group , but not statistically significant ( 71.4 vs 64.2 % , P>0.05 ) . At the 30(th ) day of synbiotic intervention , serum total cholesterol , low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total oxidative stress levels significantly declined ( P<0.05 ) . Changes in serum lipid levels were significantly higher in the synbiotic group ( P<0.05 ) . Changes in serum total oxidative stress levels before and after the intervention period , were significant in synbiotic group ( P<0.01 ) . In our study , changes in weight , body mass index , and triceps skinfold thickness were higher in the group receiving the one month synbiotic supplement thin in the st and ard method group . The supplement tested also had a beneficial effect on lipid profile and total oxidative stress . To the best of our knowledge , this is the first study showing the effects of synbiotics on oxidative stress in obese patients with an additional effect on weight loss regarding to previous studies AIMS The role of gut microbiota in the management of diabetes is shown . In this r and omized clinical trial we assessed the effects of synbiotic supplementation on insulin , lipid profile and antioxidative status among women with gestational diabetes mellitus ( GDM ) . METHODS Ninety pregnant women with GDM were r and omly assigned into two groups to receive either a daily synbiotic capsule - consisting of L. acidophilus , L. plantarum , L. fermentum , L. gasseri ( 1.5 - 7.0 × 109 - 10 CFU/g ) - with fructooligosaccharide ( 38.5 mg ) , or placebo for 6 weeks . Fasting plasma glucose ( FPG ) , insulin , homeostasis model assessment -insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR ) , quantitative insulin sensitivity check index ( QUICKI ) , high- and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C , LDL-C ) , total cholesterol ( TC ) , triglycerides ( TG ) , total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) , and systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( SBP , DSP ) were assessed before and after the intervention . RESULTS No significant changes in FPG , insulin resistance/sensitivity , lipid profile and TAC indices were seen in synbiotic group compared to the placebo one ( p > 0.05 ) . Significant within group increases for HDL-C and TAC levels in synbiotic group were observed ( p < 0.05 ) . LDL-C showed significant increment in the placebo group compared to the baseline of the study ( 6.9 mg/dL , p < 0.05 ) . Between group comparison showed significant decrease in SBP and DBP in synbiotic group compared to placebo ( -2.5 vs. 8.6 mmHg , and -1.8 vs. 2.1 mmHg , p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS The results showed that , in women with GDM , synbiotic supplementation had no effect on FPG and insulin resistance/sensitivity indices . Lipid profile and TAC status may be affected by synbiotic supplementation . Synbiotic is effective in reducing of blood pressure in women with GDM Purpose Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) is one of the most common metabolic and endocrine disorders . Functional foods like pomegranate and probiotics are those that are considered to have beneficial effects on metabolic diseases beyond their basic nutritional value . So , we aim ed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic pomegranate juice ( SPJ ) on cardiovascular risk factors on PCOS patients . Methods This was a r and omized , triple-blinded , 8-week trial . Participants were r and omly assigned to receive 300 mL/day of pomegranate juice ( PJ ) , synbiotic beverage ( SB ) , synbiotic pomegranate juice ( SPJ ) , or placebo beverage ( PB ) . Biochemical indices ( lipid profile , Total Antioxidant Capacity ( TAC ) , Malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , high sensitive C-Reactive Protein ( hs-CRP ) ) and blood pressure were assessed before and after the intervention . Results Participants in the PJ , SB , and SPJ groups experienced improvement in their lipid profile , oxidative stress , inflammation , and blood pressure during the time . Compared to placebo , Total Cholesterol ( TC ) was lower in the SB group ( P < 0.01 ) , LDL-c was lower in the SPJ and SB groups ( P < 0.01 ) , and HDL-c was higher in the SPJ and PJ groups ( P < 0.01 ) . With regards to oxidative stress and inflammation , when compared with placebo , MDA was lower in the SPJ , SB , and PJ groups ( P < 0.001 ) , TAC was increased in the SPJ and PJ groups ( P $ $ < $ $ < 0.001 ) , and hs-CRP was decreased in the PJ group ( P = 0.02 ) . Blood pressure ( BP ) was lower in the SPJ and PJ groups compared to placebo ( P < 0.001 ; P < 0.01 , respectively ) . Conclusions Consuming daily SPJ for 8 weeks improved metabolic , oxidative , inflammatory , and BP outcomes in females with PCOS . This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( I RCT 20170207032439N2 ) Background / Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases in recent years . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sitagliptin with and without a synbiotic supplement in the treatment of patients with NAFLD . Methods In total , 138 NAFLD patients aged 18 - 60 years were enrolled in the study . Patients were r and omized to one of the following treatments for 16 weeks : Group I ( n=68 ) , sitagliptin 50 mg daily plus placebo ( one capsule per day ) or group II ( n=70 ) sitagliptin 50 mg daily plus synbiotic ( one capsule per day ) . Changes in fasting blood glucose ( FBS ) , liver enzymes , lipid profile , and body mass index were compared between the groups . Results The mean change in FBS  with sitagliptin-placebo from baseline was -10.47±5.77 mg/dL , and that with sitagliptin-synbiotic was -13.52±4.16 mg/dL. There was a significant difference between the groups ( P<0.001 ) . The mean change in cholesterol ( Chol ) was -8.34±28.83 mg/dL with sitagliptin-placebo and -21.25±15.50 mg/dL with sitagliptinsynbiotic . There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.029 ) . The administration of sitagliptin-placebo induced an increase of 6.13±27.04 mg/dL in low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , whereas sitagliptin-synbiotic induced a decrease of 14.92±15.85 mg/dL in LDL . A significant difference was observed between the two groups ( P<0.001 ) . On the other h and , in the sitagliptin-synbiotic group , there was significant improvement in aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) level  compared to the sitagliptin-placebo group ( P=0.018 ) . Conclusions Sitagliptin-synbiotic produced greater improvement in FBS , AST , Chol , and LDL compared to sitagliptin alone in patients with NAFLD OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to determine the effects of synbiotic food consumption on glycemic status and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hs-CRP ) levels of Iranian pregnant women . DESIGN : This r and omized placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 52 pregnant women , primigravida , aged 18–35 year old , in their third trimester . After a 2-wk run-in period , subjects were r and omly assigned to consume either a synbiotic ( n=26 ) or control food ( n=26 ) for 9 weeks . The synbiotic food consisted of a probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 107 CFU ) , 0.04 g inulin as prebiotic with 0.38 g isomalt , 0.36 g sorbitol and 0.05 g stevia as sweetener per 1 g. Control food ( the same substance without probiotic bacteria and inulin ) was packed in identical 9-gram packages . Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic and control foods two times a day . Fasting blood sample s were taken at baseline and after a 9-wk intervention for quantification of related factors . RESULTS : Consumption of a synbiotic food did not show any significant change regarding the impact of insulin actions in the synbiotic group ; nonetheless , compared to the control food , it result ed in a significant decrease in serum insulin levels ( −0.26 vs. 6.34 µIU/mL , P=0.014 ) and HOMA-IR ( −0.13 vs. 1.13 , P=0.033 ) , a significant difference in HOMA-B ( 5.30 vs. 34.22 , P=0.040 ) and a significant rise in QUICKI score ( 0.002 vs. −0.02 , P=0.022 ) . CONCLUSIONS : Consumption of a synbiotic food for 9 weeks by pregnant women had beneficial effects on insulin actions compared to the control food , but did not affect FPG and serum hs-CRP concentrations The concentration of adiponectin , a hormone which is secreted from adipose tissue , is inversely correlated with body fat mass . This hormone has anti inflammatory and anti atherogenic properties . Its concentration reduces in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases . This study review s the evidence on the relationship between serum  adiponectin concentration and lipid profile .  In this study former clinical trials , cross sectional and prospect i ve studies have been review ed . The PubMed search engine has been used to find related research for the topic by considering dyslipidemia , total cholesterol ( TC ) , high and low density protein ( HDL and LDL ) , triglyceride ( TG ) , lipid profile ( LP ) and adiponectin as the key words . Finally , 25 articles were recruited to review in the present article . Serum adiponectin level was positively correlated with plasma HDL cholestrol concentrations . There was a significant inverse relationship between plasma triglyceride and serum adiponectin . An inverse correlation between very low density lipoprotein ( VLDL ) and LDL levels and adiponectin was reported from the studies . So , Adiponectin has an important role in the metabolism of lipid profile including HDLc OBJECTIVE Enteral administration of synbiotics has been reported to be beneficial during various types of surgery , but its clinical value in elderly surgical patients remains unclear . The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the changes in gut microbiota and environment induced by perioperative synbiotic therapy , and to investigate whether it is possible to reduce infectious complications in elderly patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery . METHODS Forty-eight patients over the age of 70 y were r and omized into a group receiving 7 d of preoperative and 10 d of postoperative synbiotic therapy ( S group ) and a control group without synbiotic therapy ( C group ) . A fecal sample collected before and after surgery in each group was used for a quantitative evaluation of the microbiota . RESULTS Forty-eight patients completed the trial ( 25 in the S group and 23 in the C group ) . Synbiotic therapy significantly maintained the status of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus , whereas the number of Enterobacteriaceae , Staphylococcus , and Pseudomonas was significantly decreased . The total organic acid and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were increased , and the pH was markedly decreased , in the S group compared with the C group . The incidence of postoperative infectious complications was 12 % in the S group and 36 % in the C group , however , the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.06 ) . A multivariate analysis revealed that only the use of perioperative blood transfusion was an independent risk factor for infectious complications . CONCLUSIONS Synbiotic therapy improved the intestinal microbial environment , and might decrease the incidence of infectious complications in elderly surgical patients Objective Atopic dermatitis ( AD ) is the most common chronic relapsing skin disease seen in infancy and childhood . The intestinal microbiota play an important role in immune development and may play a role in the development of allergic disorders . Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by synbiotics may therefore offer an approach to the prevention or treatment of AD and allergic diseases . We studied the clinical and immunologic effects of a new symbiotic ( a mixture of seven probiotic strains of bacteria and Fructooligosaccharide ) in infants and children with AD . Methods In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 40 infants and children aged 3 months to 6 years with AD received either a synbiotic or placebo for 8 weeks . The Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis ( SCORAD ) index was recorded at baseline and also at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment . Findings There was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo group in baseline characteristics including sex , age , family history , corticosteroid usage and prick testing . Mean age was 23 months . The synbiotic group showed a significantly greater reduction in SCORAD than did the placebo group ( P=0.001 ) . No specific effect was demonstrated of the probiotics employed on cytokine profile ( P=0.4 , P=0.6 ) . Egg white was the most common ( 45 % ) allergen followed by peanut and cow 's milk . Conclusion This study provides evidence that a mixture of seven strains of probiotics and Fructooligosaccharide can clinical ly improve the severity of  AD in young children . Further studies are needed to investigate the effects on underlying immune responses and the potential long term benefits for patients with AD Background : This research was to examine the effects of synbiotic intake on minerals , liver enzymes , and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) . Methods : This r and omized , cross-over clinical trial was performed among 62 diabetic patients . Persons were r and omly assigned to intake either a synbiotic ( n = 62 ) or a control food ( n = 62 ) for 6 weeks . A 3-week washout period was applied following which persons were crossed over to the alternate intervention arm for an additional 6 weeks . The synbiotic was consisted of Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 107 CFU ) , 0.04 g inulin ( HPX ) as prebiotic . Persons were asked to consume the synbiotic and control foods 27 g a day . Blood pressure was measured , and blood sample s were taken at baseline and after 6-week intervention to assess calcium , magnesium , iron , alkaline phosphatase , aspartate aminotransferase , alanine aminotransferase , and total bilirubin . Results : The consumption of a synbiotic food , compared to the control food , result ed in a significant rise of calcium ( 0.66 vs. −0.14 mg/dL , P = 0.03 ) and iron ( 5.06 vs. −9.98 mg/dL , P = 0.03 ) . The decrease of total bilirubin ( 0.08 vs. −0.04 mg/dL ; P = 0.009 ) was also seen in the synbiotic group compared with the control group . Conclusions : Overall , synbiotic in T2D patients had beneficial effects on calcium , iron , and total bilirubin concentrations BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The generation of key uremic nephrovascular toxins , indoxyl sulfate ( IS ) , and p-cresyl sulfate ( PCS ) , is attributed to the dysbiotic gut microbiota in CKD . The aim of our study was to evaluate whether synbiotic ( pre- and probiotic ) therapy alters the gut microbiota and reduces serum concentrations of microbiome-generated uremic toxins , IS and PCS , in patients with CKD . DESIGN , SETTING , PARTICIPANTS , & MEASUREMENTS Predialysis adult participants with CKD ( eGFR=10 - 30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2 ) ) were recruited between January 5 , 2013 and November 12 , 2013 to a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , crossover trial of synbiotic therapy over 6 weeks ( 4-week washout ) . The primary outcome was serum IS . Secondary outcomes included serum PCS , stool microbiota profile , eGFR , proteinuria-albuminuria , urinary kidney injury molecule-1 , serum inflammatory biomarkers ( IL-1β , IL-6 , IL-10 , and TNF-α ) , serum oxidative stress biomarkers ( F2-isoprostanes and glutathione peroxidase ) , serum LPS , patient-reported health , Gastrointestinal Symptom Score , and dietary intake . A prespecified subgroup analysis explored the effect of antibiotic use on treatment effect . RESULTS Of 37 individuals r and omized ( age = 69±10 years old ; 57 % men ; eGFR=24±8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2 ) ) , 31 completed the study .  Synbiotic therapy did not significantly reduce serum IS ( -2 μmol/L ; 95 % confidence interval [ 95 % CI ] , -5 to 1 μmol/L ) but did significantly reduce serum PCS ( -14 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , -27 to -2 μmol/L ) . Decreases in both PCS and IS concentrations were more pronounced in patients who did not receive antibiotics during the study ( n=21 ; serum PCS , -25 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , -38 to -12 μmol/L ; serum IS , -5 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , -8 to -1 μmol/L ) . Synbiotics also altered the stool microbiome , particularly with enrichment of Bifidobacterium and depletion of Ruminococcaceae . Except for an increase in albuminuria of 38 mg/24 h ( P=0.03 ) in the synbiotic arm , no changes were observed in the other secondary outcomes . CONCLUSION In patients with CKD , synbiotics did not significantly reduce serum IS but did decrease serum PCS and favorably modified the stool microbiome . Large-scale clinical trials are justified Objectives : To our knowledge , no reports are available indicating the effects of synbiotic bread consumption on nitric oxide ( NO ) , biomarkers of oxidative stress , and liver enzymes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) . This study was performed to determine the effects of the daily consumption of synbiotic bread on NO , biomarkers of oxidative stress , and liver enzymes in patients with T2DM . Methods : This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was performed among 81 patients with diabetes , aged 35–70 years old . After a 2-week run-in period , patients were r and omly divided into 3 groups : group A ( n = 27 ) received synbiotic bread containing viable and the heat-resistant probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 108 CFU ) and 0.07 g inulin per 1 g , group B ( n = 27 ) received probiotic bread containing Lactobacillus sporogenes ( 1 × 108 CFU ) , and group C ( n = 27 ) received control bread for 8 weeks . Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic , probiotic , or control breads 3 times a day in 40 g packages for a total of 120 g/day . Fasting blood sample s were taken at baseline and after an 8-week intervention for quantificationof related markers . Results : After 8 weeks , the consumption of synbiotic bread compared to the probiotic and control breads result ed in a significant rise in plasma NO ( 40.6 ± 34.4 vs 18.5 ± 36.2 and −0.8 ± 24.5 µmol/L , respectively , p < 0.001 ) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde ( MDA ) levels ( −0.7 ± 0.7 vs 0.6 ± 1.7 and 0.5 ± 1.5 µmol/L , respectively , p = 0.001 ) . We did not find any significant effect of the synbiotic bread consumption on plasma total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) , plasma glutathione ( GSH ) , catalase , serum liver enzymes , calcium , iron , magnesium levels , and blood pressure compared to the probiotic and control breads . Conclusion : In conclusion , consumption of the synbiotic bread for 8 weeks among patients with T2DM had beneficial effects on plasma NO and MDA levels ; however , it did not affect plasma TAC , GSH , catalase levels , serum liver enzymes , calcium , iron , magnesium levels , and blood pressure Minimal hepatic encephalopathy ( MHE ) is an important disorder that may seriously impair daily functioning and quality of life in patients with cirrhosis . Treatment with lactulose is of benefit . The possible role of synbiotics ( probiotics and fermentable fiber ) has not been assessed . We screened 97 consecutive cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy for MHE using the number connection test and measurement of brainstem auditory evoked potentials . MHE , defined by abnormality on at least one test modality , was present in 58 ( 60 % ) patients . Fifty-five of these patients with MHE were r and omized to receive a synbiotic preparation ( n = 20 ) , fermentable fiber alone ( n = 20 ) , or placebo ( n = 15 ) for 30 days . Cirrhotic patients with MHE were found to have substantial derangements in the gut microecology , with significant fecal overgrowth of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcal species . Synbiotic treatment significantly increased the fecal content of non-urease-producing Lactobacillus species at the expense of these other bacterial species . Such modulation of the gut flora was associated with a significant reduction in blood ammonia levels and reversal of MHE in 50 % of patients . Synbiotic treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in endotoxemia . The Child-Turcotte-Pugh functional class improved in nearly 50 % of cases . Treatment with fermentable fiber alone was also of benefit in a substantial proportion of patients . In conclusion , treatment with synbiotics or fermentable fiber is an alternative to lactulose for the management of MHE in patients with cirrhosis OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of daily consumption of a synbiotic yogurt drink on the health , growth , and quality of life of healthy children 12 - 48 months of age in out-of-home child care . STUDY DESIGN Healthy children attending child care centers were enrolled in a prospect i ve , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial . The intervention was a yogurt drink containing Streptococcus thermophilus , Lactobacillus bulgaricus , and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis ( BB-12 ) ( 5 × 10(9 ) cfu/100 mL serving ) , and 1 g of inulin ( synbiotic group ) vs a similar nonsynbiotic-containing acidified milk drink ( placebo group ) once daily for 16 weeks . The end points were days of diarrhea , fever , vomiting , symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection , use of antibiotics , physician visits , child care absenteeism , parental work absenteeism , and quality of life ( PedsQL 4.0 ; Mapi Research Trust , Lyon , France ) . RESULTS Compared with placebo ( n = 73 ) , children receiving synbiotic ( n = 76 ) had significantly fewer days of reported fever ( 1.85 vs 1.95 , P < .05 ) , significant improvement in social functioning ( P < .035 ; pre-to-end intervention ) , and school functioning ( P < .045 ; pre-to-mid intervention ) . More days with ≥ 3 loose/watery stools were reported in the synbiotic group ( P < .05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Daily supplementation of children 's diet with yogurt containing probiotic bacteria BB-12 and inulin significantly reduced days of fever and improved social and school functioning . The increased frequency of bowel movements may be explained by an accelerating effect of BB-12 and inulin on intestinal transit . Further research on the possible benefits of synbiotics on children 's health is advised . TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov : NCT00653705 Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the leading aetiology of liver disorders in the world , there is no proven treatment for NAFLD patients with normal or low BMI . The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of synbiotics supplementation in NAFLD patients with normal or low BMI . In this r and omised , double-blind , placebo-controlled , clinical trial , fifty patients with NAFLD were assigned to take either a synbiotic supplement or a placebo capsule for 28 weeks . Both groups were advised to follow a healthy lifestyle . At the end of the study , hepatic steatosis and fibrosis reduced in both groups ; however , the mean reduction was significantly greater in the synbiotic group rather than in the placebo group ( P<0·001 ) . Furthermore , serum levels of fasting blood sugar , TAG and most of the inflammatory mediators reduced in the synbiotic group significantly compared with the placebo group ( P<0·05 ) . Our results provide evidence that synbiotic supplementation improves the main features of NAFLD in patients with normal and low BMI , at least partially through reduction in inflammatory indices . Further studies are needed to address the exact mechanism of action of these effects BACKGROUND Animal studies suggest that prebiotics and probiotics exert protective effects against tumor development in the colon , but human data supporting this suggestion are weak . OBJECTIVE The objective was to verify whether the prebiotic concept ( selective interaction with colonic flora of nondigested carbohydrates ) as induced by a synbiotic preparation-oligofructose-enriched inulin ( SYN1 ) + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ( LGG ) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (BB12)-is able to reduce the risk of colon cancer in humans . DESIGN The 12-wk r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of a synbiotic food composed of the prebiotic SYN1 and probiotics LGG and BB12 was conducted in 37 colon cancer patients and 43 polypectomized patients . Fecal and blood sample s were obtained before , during , and after the intervention , and colorectal biopsy sample s were obtained before and after the intervention . The effect of synbiotic consumption on a battery of intermediate bio-markers for colon cancer was examined . RESULTS Synbiotic intervention result ed in significant changes in fecal flora : Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased and Clostridium perfringens decreased . The intervention significantly reduced colorectal proliferation and the capacity of fecal water to induce necrosis in colonic cells and improve epithelial barrier function in polypectomized patients . Genotoxicity assays of colonic biopsy sample s indicated a decreased exposure to genotoxins in polypectomized patients at the end of the intervention period . Synbiotic consumption prevented an increased secretion of interleukin 2 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the polypectomized patients and increased the production of interferon gamma in the cancer patients . CONCLUSIONS Several colorectal cancer biomarkers can be altered favorably by synbiotic intervention BACKGROUND Diet is an important factor in colorectal carcinogenesis ; thus , dietary supplements may have a role in colorectal cancer prevention . OBJECTIVE The objective was to establish the relative luminal , epithelial , and epigenetic consequences of prebiotic , probiotic , and synbiotic dietary supplementation in humans . DESIGN This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , 4-wk crossover trial of resistant starch and Bifidobacterium lactis , either alone or as a combined synbiotic preparation , in 20 human volunteers . Rectal biopsy , feces , and serum sample s were collected . The rectal mucosal endpoints were DNA methylation at 16 CpG isl and loci and LINE-1 , epithelial proliferation ( Ki67 immunohistochemistry ) , and crypt cellularity . The fecal endpoints were short-chain fatty acid concentrations , pH , ammonia , and microbiological profiles ( by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing ) . Serum endpoints were a panel of cytokines and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein . RESULTS Seventeen subjects completed the entire study . The synbiotic intervention fostered a significantly different fecal stream bacterial community than did either the prebiotic ( P = 0.032 ) or the probiotic ( P = 0.001 ) intervention alone , in part because of a greater proportion of patients harboring fecal Lachnospiraceae spp . These changes developed in the absence of any significant differences in fecal chemistry . There were no differences in epithelial kinetics . CONCLUSIONS This synbiotic supplementation with B. lactis and resistant starch , in the doses used , induced unique changes in fecal microflora but did not significantly alter any other fecal , serum , or epithelial variables . This trial was registered in the Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trials Registry at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN012606000115538 Summary Background & aims Ageing increases risk of respiratory infections and impairs the response to influenza vaccination . Pre- and pro-biotics offer an opportunity to modulate anti-viral defenses and the response to vaccination via alteration of the gut microbiota . This study investigated the effect of a novel probiotic , Bifidobacterium longum bv . infantis CCUG 52486 , combined with a prebiotic , gluco-oligosaccharide , on the B and T cell response to seasonal influenza vaccination in young and older subjects . Methods In a double-blind , r and omized controlled trial , 58 young ( 18–35 y ) and 54 older ( 60–85 y ) subjects were supplemented with the synbiotic for 8 weeks . At 4 weeks they were administered with a seasonal influenza vaccine .  B and T cell phenotype and responsiveness to in vitro re-stimulation with the vaccine were assessed at baseline , 4 , 6 and 8 weeks . Results B and T cell profiles differed markedly between young and older subjects . Vaccination increased numbers of memory , IgA+ memory , IgG+ memory and total IgG+ B cells in young subjects , but failed to do so in older subjects and did not significantly alter T cell subsets . Seroconversion to the H1N1 subunit in the older subjects was associated with higher post-vaccination numbers of plasma B cells , but seroconversion was less consistently associated with T cell phenotype . B and T cell subsets from both young and older subjects demonstrated a strong antigen-specific recall challenge , and although not influenced by age , responsiveness to the recall challenge was associated with seroconversion . In older subjects , CMV seropositivity was associated with a significantly lower recall response to the vaccine , but the synbiotic did not affect the responsiveness of B or T cells to re-stimulation with influenza vaccine . Conclusions Antigen-specific B and T cell activation following an in vitro recall challenge with the influenza vaccine was influenced by CMV seropositivity , but not by a synbiotic . Registered under Clinical Trials.gov Identifier no. NCT01066377 Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in Western countries ; it can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH ) , cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma . The importance of gut-liver-adipose tissue axis has become evident and treatments targeting gut microbiota may improve inflammatory and metabolic parameters in NASH patients . In a r and omized , controlled clinical trial , involving 50 biopsy-proven NASH patients , we investigated the effects of synbiotic supplementation on metabolic parameters , hepatic steatosis , intestinal permeability , small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO ) and lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) serum levels . Patients were separated into two groups receiving Lactobacillus reuteri with guar gum and inulin for three months and healthy balanced nutritional counseling versus nutritional counseling alone . Before and after the intervention we assessed steatosis by magnetic resonance imaging , intestinal permeability by lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion and SIBO by glucose breath testing .  NASH patients presented high gut permeability , but low prevalence of SIBO . After the intervention , only the synbiotic group presented a reduction in steatosis , lost weight , diminished BMI and waist circumference measurement . Synbiotic did not improve intestinal permeability or LPS levels . We concluded that synbiotic supplementation associated with nutritional counseling seems superior to nutritional counseling alone for NASH treatment as it attenuates steatosis and may help to achieve weight loss Background and objective Asthma is a growing problem worldwide . Acute exacerbations impose considerable morbidity , mortality , and increased cost . Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause ( 80–85 % ) of pediatric asthma exacerbations and admissions to the hospital . The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a new synbiotic Lactocare ® on viral respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children . Methods In this double blind , placebo-controlled , r and omized clinical trial , 72 children with mild persistent asthma , aged between 6 and 12 years , were r and omized to receive either Lactocare ® , a Synbiotic containing 1 billion CFU/Capsule of Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Streptococcus thermophilus , Bifidobacterium breve , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Bifidobacterium infantis , Lactobacillus bulgaricus , and Fructooligosacharide ( Zist Takhmir , Tehran , Iran ) or placebo daily for 60 days . The primary outcome was the number of viral respiratory infections , and secondary outcomes were school absence , salbutamol and prednisolone usage , outpatient visits , and hospital admission for asthma . The outcomes were compared among study groups using the SPSS 11.5 program and the Mann Whitney and Fisher exact tests . Results Of the 72 children who were enrolled with mild persistent asthma , 36 were assigned r and omly to be treated with synbiotic and 36 with placebo .  The number of viral respiratory infections was significantly higher in placebo group than the synbiotic group during the first month of intervention ( 0.74 ± 0.12 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1 , p < 0.007 ) but not during the second month ( 0.5 ± 0.8 vs. 0.5 ± 0.8 , p < 0.641 ) . Considering the total duration of the study ( two months ) , infection episodes also were significantly lower in the synbiotic group ( 0.92 ± 0.15 vs. 0.69 ± 0.11 , p < 0.046 ) . Salbutamol consumption was significantly lower in the synbiotic group , but there were no significant differences in school absenteeism , oral prednisolone use , outpatient visits , or hospital admissions . Conclusion This new synbiotic ( a mixture of seven probiotic strains plus fructooligosacharide may reduce episodes of viral infection in asthmatic children . Trial registration This study is registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with registration number of I RCT 201509234976N3 . Funding This research was supported financially by the Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences ( Grant Number : 911048 ) Background : It is possible to manipulate the composition of the gastrointestinal microflora by administration of pre- and probiotics . This may help to preserve gut barrier function and reduce the incidence of septic morbidity . Aims : To assess the effects of a combination of pre- and probiotics ( synbiotic ) on bacterial translocation , gastric colonisation , systemic inflammation , and septic morbidity in elective surgical patients . Patients : Patients were enrolled two weeks prior to elective abdominal surgery . Seventy two patients were r and omised to the synbiotic group and 65 to the placebo group . Patients were well matched regarding age and sex distribution , diagnoses , and POSSUM scores . Methods : Patients in the synbiotic group received a two week preoperative course of Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 , Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 , Streptococcus thermophilus , and Lactobacillus bulgaricus , together with the prebiotic oligofructose . Patients in the placebo group received placebo capsules and sucrose powder . At surgery , a nasogastric aspirate , mesenteric lymph node , and scrapings of the terminal ileum were harvested for microbiological analysis . Serum was collected preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7 for measurement of C reactive protein , interleukin 6 , and antiendotoxin antibodies . Septic morbidity and mortality were recorded . Results : There were no significant differences between the synbiotic and control groups in bacterial translocation ( 12.1 % v 10.7 % ; p = 0.808 , χ2 ) , gastric colonisation ( 41 % v 44 % ; p = 0.719 ) , systemic inflammation , or septic complications ( 32 % v 31 % ; p = 0.882 ) . Conclusions : In this study , synbiotics had no measurable effect on gut barrier function in elective surgical patients . Further studies investigating the place of pre- and probiotics in clinical practice are required
The effects are more pronounced when synbiotics supplements are consumed for > 8 weeks .
Synbiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve lipid profile , especially when they are consumed for > 8 weeks
Existing evidence on the possible effects of synbiotics on lipid profile is inconclusive .
The aim of the present systematic review was to clarify the effects of synbiotics consumption on lipid profile .