Effects of probiotics on gut health in people with metabolic syndrome

The Role of Probiotics in Attenuating Inflammation and Improving Gut Health in Obese Adults

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Penn State University · NCT03418857

This study is testing if eating yogurt with probiotics can improve gut health and reduce inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorPenn State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03418857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how consuming yogurt with probiotics affects inflammatory outcomes and gut health in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants will alternate between consuming probiotic yogurt and regular yogurt in a randomized order, allowing for a comparison of effects. The study aims to gather data on various health metrics, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels, to assess the impact of probiotics on metabolic health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m² and at least one criterion for metabolic syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with severe metabolic conditions or those allergic to dairy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacologic approach to improving gut health and managing metabolic syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with probiotics in improving gut health, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥ to 25 and less than 35 kg/m\^2
* Increased waist circumference (men: ≥ 94 cm, women: ≥ 80 cm)
* At least one of the metabolic syndrome criteria-
* serum triglycerides: ≥ 150 mg/dL
* HDL cholesterol: ≤ 40 mg/dL in men, ≤ 50 mg/dL in women
* blood pressure: ≥ 130 mmHg systolic or ≥ 85 mmHg diastolic
* fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

* allergy to dairy
* smoking and/or use of tobacco products
* systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg
* diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg
* fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL
* history of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease (unless controlled on medication)
* use of cholesterol or lipid lowering medications
* use of anti-hypertensive or glucose lowering supplements (psyllium, fish oil capsules, soy lecithin, niacin, fiber, flax, phytoestrogens, and stanol/sterol supplemented foods)
* refusal to discontinue nutritional supplements, herbs, vitamins, or other probiotics
* clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) e.g. Chron's disease or ulcerative colitis
* Use of antibiotics within the last 2 months
* excessive alcohol consumption (≥ 14 standard drinks per week)
* regular use of anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen)

Where this trial is running

University Park, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metabolic SyndromeprobioticsHumanobesitynon-pharmacologic therapygut healthmicrobiomeinflammation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.