This study will define the impact of a probiotic supplement on microbiome, immune system, and metabolic syndrome. This study will determine the degree to which a probiotic supplement can 1) improve metabolic markers and metrics of metabolic syndrome, 2) alter microbiota composition and function, 3) impact microbiota metabolites, short-chain fatty acids-potential normalizers of metabolic and immune dysfunction, and 4) regulate immune status and function including reducing chronic, systemic inflammation as assessed by high dimensional immune profiling.

The centrality of the gut microbiota to human health has emerged in just the last decade, with the last three years implicating our modern, deteriorated gut microbiota in numerous chronic diseases. It is likely dietary changes in the last half-century consistent with adoption of the Western diet have had an adverse impact on the gut microbiota. A critically important next step in this field of research is to identify how different probiotic supplements can potentially restore the microbiota in alignment with the optimization of human health, particularly in regard to the reversal or prevention of chronic diseases including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. This study is designed to elicit and contrast the amount of increase in microbiota diversity and related metabolic output achievable following consumption of a probiotic supplement commonly available to the general population. The results could contribute to dietary recommendations for reversing the chronic disease epidemics of westernization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 and older
• Must have metabolic syndrome as defined by having at least 2 of the 5 criteria per either ATP III guidelines OR International Diabetes Federation (IDF) guidelines:

ATP III guidelines:

1. Abdominal obesity, defined as a waist circumference in men ≥102 cm (40 in) and in women ≥88 cm (35 in)
2. Serum triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or drug treatment for elevated triglycerides
3. Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) in men and <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women or drug treatment for low HDL cholesterol
4. Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or drug treatment for elevated blood pressure
5. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or drug treatment for elevated blood glucose

International Diabetes Federation Guidelines:

1. Increased waist circumference, with ethnic-specific waist circumference cut-points:

   White and all other ethnic groups - Men ≥ 94 cm; Women ≥ 80 cm South Asians, Chinese, and Japanese - Men ≥ 90 cm; Women ≥ 80 cm

   PLUS any two of the following:

2. Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or treatment for elevated triglycerides

3. HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L) in men or <50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L) in women, or treatment for low HDL

4. Systolic blood pressure ≥130, diastolic blood pressure ≥85, or treatment for hypertension

5. FPG ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes; an oral glucose tolerance test is recommended for patients with an elevated fasting plasma glucose, but not required.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 40
• LDL >160 mg/dL.
• Vital signs outside of acceptable range at Screening Visit: blood pressure >159/99, oral temperature ≥ 100°F, pulse >100.
• Use of any of the following drugs within the last 6 months:systemic antibiotics (must be discontinued and avoided for 2 months prior to the study start), antifungals, antivirals or antiparasitics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral); oral, intravenous, intramuscular, nasal or inhaled corticosteroids; cytokines; methotrexate or immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents;
• Use of large doses of commercial probiotics consumed within the last 6 months (greater than or equal to 108 cfu or organisms per day) - includes tablets, capsules, lozenges, chewing gum or powders in which probiotic is a primary component (must be discontinued and avoided for one month prior to the study start). Ordinary dietary components such as fermented beverages/milks, yogurts, foods do not apply.