Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Inulin for Cognitive Impairment in Obesity

Effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Combined With Inulin on Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Obesity

This randomized crossover clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and inulin on cognitive function in adults with obesity and mild cognitive impairment. Forty participants aged 30-40 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. Participants will receive either the synbiotic intervention or a control preparation, followed by crossover to the alternate intervention. Cognitive function will be evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Memory Alteration Test (M@T). Fecal butyrate and Lactobacillus acidophilus, as well as serum inflammatory cytokines and BDNF, will also be assessed to explore potential mechanisms involving the gut-brain axis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 30 to 40 years.
• Diagnosis of obesity for more than 10 years.
• Presence of mild cognitive impairment, evaluated using cognitive assessment scales.
• BMI ≥30 kg/m².
• Body fat percentage ≥35% in women and ≥25% in men.
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Advanced cognitive impairment.
• Diseases associated with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular events, severe traumatic brain injury, or motor deficits.
• Antibiotic use during the 3 months prior to treatment.
• Allergy to almonds or any component of the synbiotic or vehicle.
• Consumption of probiotics or supplements and/or frequent intake of high-fiber or fermented foods.
• Diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, that could influence study outcomes.
• Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.