The effect of probiotic yoghurt on C-reactive protein and related gut microbiome in females with obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an escalating health issue worldwide, and in South Africa, it particularly impacts women, significantly increasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Recent findings suggest a strong correlation between obesity and an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which may contribute to chronic, low-level inflammation, as indicated by elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). This inflammatory condition is, in essence, linked to the metabolic issues commonly associated with obesity. Our study aimed to describe the baseline characteristics and explore the relationships between gut microbiota composition, weight status, CRP levels, and dietary intake, and to assess the effect of a 12-week probiotic yoghurt intervention on changes in weight status and CRP levels.

Methods: The study utilised an observational descriptive design, followed by a single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 30 South African women aged 25-55 years who had obesity. Participants were randomly allocated to either consume a probiotic yoghurt that includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, or a control yoghurt, daily for 12 weeks. Weight status measurements and CRP levels were measured at the beginning and after the intervention. The composition of gut microbiota was evaluated only at baseline.

Results: Our participants had a mean baseline CRP level of 4.18 mg/L (SD = 2.19). The most abundant phyla: Bacillota (46.19%), Bacteroidota (23.95%), Firmicutes (11.72%) and Bacteroidetes (7.19%). The mean F/B ratio was 2.28 (SD = 1.88). No statistically significant relationships were found between weight status measurements and any bacterial phyla or F/B ratio. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between Bacteroides and WHR (r = - 0.479, p = 0.044) and between Akkermansia and WHR (r = -0.488, p = 0.04). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between F/B ratio and CRP levels (r = -0.409, p = 0.013). No notable alterations were detected in weight status or CRP levels in the intervention group (n = 13) after the 12-week intervention.

Conclusion: Our study revealed mixed results on the relationships among gut microbiome composition and the other variables. The significant negative correlation between the F/B ratio and CRP levels offers preliminary support for the gut microbiota's role in inflammation in this population. However, the observed lack of significant changes in weight status or CRP levels following a 12-week probiotic intervention, potentially due to the study's limited sample size and duration, highlights the need for larger, longer-term trials. This study enhances our understanding of gut microbiota, weight status, dietary patterns, and inflammation in South African women with obesity, emphasising the importance of population-specific considerations