Reduction of Obesity-Associated Intestinal Inflammation by Low-Fat Dairy Yogurt

Reduction of Obesity-Associated Intestinal Inflammation by Low-Fat Dairy Yogurt

The main objective of this work is to conduct a clinical trial in obese and non-obese individuals testing the ability of low-fat dairy yogurt to improve gastrointestinal health and reduce chronic inflammation. Our central hypothesis is that short and long-term consumption of low-fat dairy yogurt will reduce inflammation to a greater extent in obese individuals by improving intestinal barrier function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• premenopausal women
• BMI from 18.5-27 and 30-40 kg/m2
• resting blood pressure <140/90 mmHg
• not taking medication to control hypertension
• stable body weight for the previous 2 months
• willing to maintain a normal exercise level and avoid exercise 24 h prior to blood sampling
• willing to avoid yogurt and probiotic-containing foods or consume 2 servings of yogurt for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous diagnoses of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, or arthritis (except for osteo-arthritis)
• currently being treated for cancer (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation therapy)
• prescribed estrogen replacement therapy
• practicing weight-loss, vegetarian, kosher, or vegan diets
• currently taking dietary supplements
• exceed alcohol consumption more than moderate drinking (1 drink/day or a total of 7/week)
• actively using antibiotics
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs
• have allergies to soy, egg or milk
• perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms