Next-generation synbiotic supplementation post-antibiotic intervention in individuals with overweight or obesity: a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Alonso, Melissa Fernández

Item

Next-generation synbiotic supplementation post-antibiotic intervention in individuals with overweight or obesity: a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Alonso, Melissa Fernández

Date

2025-07-28

Abstract

Introduction: The global obesity epidemic, driven by environmental factors such as antibiotics, exacerbates insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, and mental health disorders, calling for effective therapeutic interventions. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a 3-day vancomycin intervention followed by 12-week next-generation synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance, body composition, and mental health in individuals with overweight and obesity. Methodology: Seventy-five adults underwent a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial receiving vancomycin treatment followed by synbiotic or placebo. Outcomes were assessed through blood samples, DXA scans, and psychological questionnaires at baseline, post-antibiotic, and post-intervention. Results: Vancomycin significantly increased fasting insulin levels (p = 0.022), suggesting impaired insulin sensitivity. Contrary to expectations, the synbiotic supplementation led to increased body weight (p = 0.016), BMI (p = 0.020), fat mass (p = 0.001), and HbA1c (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Short-term antibiotics induce glycemic-related metabolic disturbances that seem to be exacerbated by synbiotic supplementation. While probiotics are commonly recommended post-antibiotics to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, this practice may pose long-term metabolic risks, particularly in individuals with overweight and obesity. Further research, including mechanistic studies and sex-stratified analyses, is needed to refine clinical guidelines and balance potential benefits in high-risk populations.