Effects of Fermented Vegetables on Gut Microflora and Inflammation in Women

Effects of Fermented Vegetables on Markers of Inflammation and Composition of the Intestinal Microflora in Overweight and Obese Women

This proposal will examine whether daily consumption of fermented vegetables for 6 weeks can impact the gut microflora and markers of inflammation of women between the ages of 18-70 years.

Interested participants will be invited to an orientation where study procedures will be explained in detail. Once the consent form is signed participants will schedule a visit to provide blood, urine and stool samples at the beginning of the intervention at which point they will be randomized into one of three groups: a fermented vegetable group (1/2 cup per day for 6 weeks), a non-fermented vegetable group (1/2 cup per day for 6 weeks) and a control group (usual diet). Both vegetable groups will receive weekly deliveries of the vegetables to be consumed. Following 6 weeks, participants will provide blood, urine and stool samples one more time. Participants will also fill out questionnaires related to dietary intake, demographics, physical activity, prescription medication use and gastrointestinal function. Compliance will be monitored weekly via a gastrointestinal function log where participants will be asked to enter whether they consumed or not the vegetable provided each day, as well as any side effects of consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI: 18.5-40 kg/m2
• Non-smoker
• No previous diagnosis of cancer
• No thyroid disease
• No diabetes
• Willing to consume 1/2 cup of vegetables daily for 6 weeks
• No use of psychotic or depression medication
• No medication to lose weight
• Not on a weight loss diet
• No use of antibiotics over the past 3 months
• No consumption of fermented vegetables on a regular basis
• No history of autoimmune disease, including gastrointestinal disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI <18.5 or >40 kg/m2
• Smoker
• Taking medications that affect appetite or body weight
• Uncontrolled Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Not willing to consume 1/2 cup of vegetables daily for 6 weeks
• Willing to show up at two appointments
• Following a fad diet
• Using antibiotics frequently
• Diagnosed with autoimmune disease, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, colitis
• Regular consumption of fermented vegetables