Reduction of Obesity-Associated Intestinal Inflammation by Low-Fat Dairy Yogurt

Inclusion Criteria: * premenopausal women * BMI from 18.5-27 and 30-40 kg/m2 * resting blood pressure \<140/90 mmHg * not taking medication to control hypertension * stable body weight for the previous 2 months * willing to maintain a normal exercise level and avoid exercise 24 h prior to blood sampling * willing to avoid yogurt and probiotic-containing foods or consume 2 servings of yogurt for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * previous diagnoses of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, or arthritis (except for osteo-arthritis) * currently being treated for cancer (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation therapy) * prescribed estrogen replacement therapy * practicing weight-loss, vegetarian, kosher, or vegan diets * currently taking dietary supplements * exceed alcohol consumption more than moderate drinking (1 drink/day or a total of 7/week) * actively using antibiotics * taking anti-inflammatory drugs * have allergies to soy, egg or milk * perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms