Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 30, 2024 2 days, 23 hours, 32 minutes ago
Health News: A recent clinical study has explored the health benefits of regular kombucha consumption, specifically focusing on its effects on the gut microbiota of individuals with and without obesity. Conducted by researchers from institutions including Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Brazil, Purdue University in the United States, and Università degli Studi di Padova in Italy, this investigation is among the first to clinically examine how kombucha influences intestinal health. The findings highlight the potential of this fermented beverage to modulate gut microbiota, particularly in individuals struggling with obesity.
The Influence of Black Tea Kombucha on Intestinal Microbiota
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Known for its tangy flavor and purported health benefits, kombucha has gained popularity worldwide. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence supporting these claims, particularly in humans, remains limited. This
Health News report delves into the study's findings and their implications.
Study Design and Methodology
The study was conducted as an eight-week clinical intervention involving 46 participants divided into two groups: individuals with normal weight and those with obesity. Each participant consumed 200 milliliters of black tea kombucha daily. Biological samples, including blood, urine, and stool, were collected at the beginning and end of the study to evaluate changes in gut microbiota and other health markers.
Researchers characterized the kombucha used in the study, identifying 145 phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. The study adhered to strict guidelines to ensure reliability, including maintaining participants' regular diet and physical activity patterns.
Key Findings of the Study
Gut Microbiota Modulation
Regular consumption of kombucha significantly influenced the gut microbiota in both groups, with more pronounced effects in individuals with obesity. Several noteworthy changes were observed:
-Increased Beneficial Bacteria:
The abundance of Bacteroidota, a phylum associated with gut health, increased in both groups. This shift is important as an imbalance between Bacteroidota and Firmicutes has been linked to obesity and other metabolic disorders.
The Akkermansiaceae family, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, was more prevalent after kombucha consumption, especially in the obese group. Known for its probiotic properties, A. muciniphila is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation.
-Reduction in Obesity-Associated Bacteria:
Genera such as Ruminococcus and Dorea, commonly linked to obesity and inflammation, showed a significant decrease in the obese group post-intervention. These changes suggest a po
tential role for kombucha in mitigating obesity-related gut dysbiosis.
-Increased Butyrogenic Bacteria:
The genus Subdoligranulum, a butyrate producer associated with anti-inflammatory effects, increased in the obese group. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid crucial for maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation.
-Fungal Community Dynamics
Kombucha also influenced the fungal microbiota, favoring beneficial genera like Saccharomyces while reducing opportunistic fungi such as Exophiala and Rhodotorula. These shifts further underline kombucha’s potential in promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
-Impact on Gut Health Markers
Despite the positive microbiota changes, the study did not find significant differences in markers of intestinal permeability, such as zonulin levels, or short-chain fatty acid concentrations in stool samples. This indicates that while kombucha modulates microbial composition, its effects on gut barrier function require further exploration.
Broader Implications and Mechanisms
The study provides valuable insights into how kombucha consumption can benefit gut health. Phenolic compounds in kombucha may play a crucial role by acting as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes like A. muciniphila. These compounds may also stimulate mucus production, creating a favorable environment for gut microbiota.
Moreover, the decrease in obesity-associated bacteria and increase in beneficial genera highlight kombucha’s potential as a dietary intervention for improving metabolic health. The presence of butyrogenic bacteria like Subdoligranulum further supports its role in reducing inflammation and enhancing gut integrity.
Conclusions
This pioneering clinical study underscores the potential of kombucha as a functional food for gut health. By modulating the gut microbiota, particularly in individuals with obesity, kombucha may help address metabolic and inflammatory conditions linked to gut dysbiosis. However, the absence of significant changes in gut barrier markers suggests that kombucha’s effects may be more pronounced at the microbial level rather than directly improving gut permeability.
Future research should focus on long-term effects, varying dosages, and the role of different kombucha formulations to better understand its health benefits. For now, this study adds to the growing evidence supporting kombucha as a promising dietary tool for promoting a healthier gut microbiome.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The Journal of Nutrition.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316624012392
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/university-of-north-carolina-study-finds-that-probiotics-in-kombucha-found-to-emulate-fasting-and-decrease-fat-stores-in-c-elegans-model
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/alternative-medicine-randomized-clinical-trial-finds-that-kombucha-decreased-fasting-blood-glucose-in-individuals-with-type-2-diabetes
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