Consumption of multi-fiber enriched yogurt is associated with increase of Bifidobacterium animalis and butyrate producing bacteria in human fecal microbiota

The health-supporting effects of synbiotics have been studied for decades yet specific effects of mix of pre-and probiotics on the resident gut microbes and host health markers is not yet clear. We investigated whether a daily consumption of fermented yogurt with and without fibers can improve human blood lipids' profile and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 81 healthy randomized subjects completed a 2-week intervention. Control group consumed 200 ml of unsweetened yogurt, while test group consumed the same yogurt supplemented with 9.2 g of dietary fibers. Samples for blood analysis and fecal microbiome analysis were collected before and after the intervention period. The fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and glucose levels were decreased in both interventions. Also, in both groups the prevalence of butyrate-producers (Eubacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio) increased. Fiber-enriched yogurt specifically increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis and Catenibacterium mitsuokai in the fecal microbiota.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of daily consumption of fermented yogurt with and without fibers on blood lipids' profile and growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The results showed that both interventions of yogurt consumption led to decreases in fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and glucose levels. Both interventions also increased the prevalence of butyrate-producers in the gut microbiota. Additionally, yogurt enriched with fibers specifically increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis and Catenibacterium mitsuokai in the fecal microbiota.