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Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation and increased gut permeability. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of a nutritional supplement on these parameters in subjects with overweight and obesity. A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 76 adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 28 to 40) and low-grade inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) between 2 and 10 mg/L). The intervention consisted of a daily intake of a multi-strain probiotic of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, 640 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), and 200 IU of vitamin D (n = 37) or placebo (n = 39), administered for 8 weeks. hs-CRP levels did not change post-intervention, other than an unexpected slight increase observed in the treatment group. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels decreased in the treatment group (p = 0.018). The plasma fatty acid (FA) levels of the arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio and n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) decreased, and physical function and mobility improved in the treatment group (p = 0.006). The results suggest that hs-CRP may not be the most useful inflammatory marker, but probiotics, n-3 FAs, and vitamin D, as non-pharmaceutical supplements, may exert modest effects on inflammation, plasma FA levels, and physical function in patients with overweight and obesity and associated low-grade inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Experimental liver steatosis induced by overfeeding is associated with enhanced gut permeability and endotoxin translocation to the liver. We examined the role of the gut microbiota for steatosis formation by performing the feeding experiments in mice raised under conventional and germ-free (GF) housing. Methods: Adult wild-type and GF mice were fed a Western-style diet (WSD) or a control diet (CD), the latter combined with liquid fructose supplementation (F) or not, for 8 weeks. Markers of liver steatosis and gut permeability were measured after intervention. Results: Mice fed a WSD increased body weight compared to those fed a CD (p < 0.01) under conventional, but not under GF conditions. Increased liver weight, liver-to-body-weight ratio and hepatic triglycerides observed in both the WSD and the CD + F groups, when compared with the CD group, were not apparent under GF conditions, whereas elevated plasma triglycerides were visible (p < 0.05). Wild-type mice fed a WSD or a CD + F, respectively, had thinner adherent mucus layer compared to those fed a CD (p < 0.01), whereas GF mice had always a thin mucus layer independently of the diet. GF mice fed a CD showed increased plasma levels of FITC-dextran 4000 (1.9-fold, p < 0.05) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein-2 (2.4-fold, p < 0.05) compared with wild-type mice. Conclusions: GF housing results in an impaired weight gain and a lack of steatosis following a WSD. Also the fructose-induced steatosis, which is unrelated to body weight changes, is absent in GF mice. Thus, diet-induced experimental liver steatosis depends in multiple ways on intestinal bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]