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Kefir in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

  • 01-09-2020
  • Obesity
  • Functional Foods (CM Whisner, Section Editor)
Published in:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes recent animal and human trials examining the potential for kefir to improve obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Evidence for pathways affected and suggestions of possible mechanisms of action are also considered.

Recent Findings

Human trials examining the ability of kefir to recapitulate metabolic health benefits previously observed in rodent models have found mixed results.

Summary

Kefir has long been associated with improvements in health including obesity, diabetes, NAFLD, and dyslipidemia in preventative animal trials. While recent evidence from human trials supports a positive role of kefir in modulating diabetes-related markers, the impact of kefir consumption on markers of dyslipidemia, NAFLD, and body composition has been for the most part contradictory to animal findings. Variability in organisms for kefir fermentation poses a significant challenge in making meaningful comparisons. Recommendations for future well-controlled animal and human research are provided.
Title
Kefir in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Authors
Benjamin C. T. Bourrie
Caroline Richard
Benjamin P. Willing
Publication date
01-09-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Nutrition Reports / Issue 3/2020
Electronic ISSN: 2161-3311
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-020-00315-3
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