Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Output Changes Following Prebiotic Supplementation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) had a link with gut microbiota dysbiosis and having changes in metabolism which increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Taking prebiotic dietary supplements can be a possible way to help improve microbiome and metabolic health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of prebiotic supplementation in MetS patients and the subsequent changes that occur in gut microbiota and metabolic risk factors. This is a randomized controlled trial on 60 diagnosed MetS patients. They were split into prebiotic (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received 10 g/day of inulin-type prebiotic fibers for 12 weeks. Gut microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Metabolic outcomes were evaluated by measuring short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), fasting blood glucose, and lipid levels. A p-value less than 0.05 was significant. Prebiotic supplementation significantly resulted in increases in Bifidobacterium (21.4 % increase) and Lactobacillus (18%) with a statistically significant reduction of ~14% for the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (p < 0.05). Overall SCFA levels and notably butyrate levels increased by 20%. Fasting glucose and triglycerides also showed a statistically significant decrease of 12% and 10%, respectively (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was noted in SCFA levels and the abundance of beneficial bacteria (r = 0.62). The addition of prebiotics resulted in an observed spreading of gut microbiota with an overall improvement of metabolic health status in MetS patients. This research demonstrates the significant promise prebiotics hold for metabolic syndrome as an adjunct form of nutraceuticals.