Effects of multi-strain synbiotic supplementation on liver enzymes, insulin resistance, anthropometric, and inflammatory indices in overweight and obese adults with fatty liver and diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Synbiotic supplements have been shown to affect type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however; results remain inconclusive. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the potential effect of multi-strain synbiotic supplements on liver enzymes, insulin resistance, anthropometric indices, and inflammatory markers in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD and T2DM.

Method: In a 12-week triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 eligible overweight or obese adults with NAFLD and T2DM were randomly assigned to two groups to consume either synbiotic supplements or a placebo along a low-calorie diet. Participants were assessed for liver enzymes, anthropometric and glycemic indices, and lipid profiles before and after the study.

Result: After the study period, using intention-to-treat approach 20 individuals were included in the final analysis for each group. The intervention group showed significant reductions in within group analysis for insulin levels, weight, and BMI (P < 0.05). AST was reduced in both intervention and control groups. However, no significant differences were found for between-group analyses. Additionally, changes in inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance indices were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: In the present study, synbiotic supplements showed improvements in insulin levels, weight, BMI, and AST. However, in comparison to the control group no beneficial effects were observed. Further studies are recommended to draw more definitive conclusions.