Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Yoghurt Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome and Systemic Inflammation in Critically Ill Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Yoghurt Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome and Systemic Inflammation in Critically Ill Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the feasibility of yoghurt supplementation (400 mL/day for 3 days) in critically ill adults receiving nasogastric feeds. Twelve patients were enrolled, with high adherence and no safety concerns reported. Yoghurt intake was associated with a significant reduction in systemic inflammation markers, particularly the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and modest shifts in gut microbiome composition. Beneficial commensals such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were enriched, while opportunistic pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridioides difficile were depleted. Microbial network analysis revealed increased connectivity and stability in the yoghurt group. Overall, yoghurt supplementation was feasible, safe, and showed preliminary biological signals of modulating inflammation and microbial ecology, supporting the rationale for a larger multicentre trial.
Inclusion Criteria:
Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with critical illness requiring nasogastric feeding
Expected to remain in ICU for at least 3 days
Able to receive enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube
Exclusion Criteria:
Pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome)
Severe liver disease or renal failure requiring dialysis
Immunocompromised state (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy)
Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the past 30 days