Yogurt for Prevention of Chronic Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Yogurt Mediated by the Intestine

The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized cross-over dietary intervention in adult women who are overweight or obese to compare how yogurt and a control food affect biomarkers of inflammation and intestinal health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy premenopausal women age 21-55
• BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
• not taking medication to control hypertension (e.g. anti-hypertensives or diuretics)
• resting blood pressure <140/90 mmHg
• stable body weight for past two months
• willing to maintain a normal exercise level (in general)
• willing to avoid exercise and smoking (or other forms of nicotine intake) for 24 h prior to blood collection
• willing to avoid caffeine for 12 h before study visits
• willing to fast 12 h prior to study visits
• willing to avoid dietary supplements, yogurt and probiotic-containing foods (as necessary) and consume 12 oz. of yogurt and the control food per day (as necessary) for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• self-reported previous diagnoses of an inflammatory disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, arthritis), CVD, diabetes, current cancer treatment (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation therapy)
• have used oral antibiotics in the prior 21 days before sample collection
• actively trying to lose weight
• regularly taking anti-inflammatory drugs
• vegetarian or allergic to soy or dairy
• are pregnant, lactating, or trying to become pregnant