This study evaluates the changes in gut microbiota composition, body fat, children's eating behaviors, plasma amino acids, and satiety hormones (Peptide-YY and GLP-1) after a 6-month period in obese Thai children. A total of 165 children, aged 7 to 15 years with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ median + 2 standard deviation (SD), were randomized into three groups: Group A (intervention group) received inulin daily. Group B received an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo. Group C received dietary fiber advice aimed to match age-appropriate recommendations.
The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide and is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, which affects energy regulation and systemic inflammation. Childhood obesity management typically involves lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes. Prebiotics, such as inulin-type fructans, are non-digestible polysaccharides that can modulate the gut microbiota composition, specifically by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium. This microbial shift may lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a role in host physiology and metabolic health. This study aims to investigate the impact of inulin supplementation on the gut microbiota composition and various health parameters in obese Thai children. Participants were randomized into three groups: Intervention group receiving inulin extracted from Thai Jerusalem artichoke. Placebo group receiving isocaloric maltodextrin. Control group receiving dietary fiber intake advice. The study focuses on evaluating changes in gut microbial taxa using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and assessing secondary parameters including body composition and satiety hormones over a 6-month period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
165
The intervention group (group A) consumed 10 g of inulin extracted from Thai Jerusalem artichoke by our patent technique (Patent no. 15858) administered once daily before dinner. The placebo group (group B) received isocaloric maltodextrin, while the dietary fiber advice group (group C) received guidance based on age-appropriate intake recommendations.
Chulalongkorn University
Bangkok, Thailand
Abundance (Z-score) of Bifidobacterium at Baseline and Month 6
The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing from stool samples. The abundance values were then transformed into z-scores based on the distribution of the entire study population at baseline. A z-score of 0 represents the mean abundance of the population, while positive or negative values indicate the number of standard deviations above or below the mean, respectively.
Time frame: Baseline and Month 6
Change From Baseline in Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) at 6 Months
Evaluation of body composition changes focusing on Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI). FMI and FFMI were calculated as the weight of fat mass or fat-free mass in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m\^2). Values reported represent the change from baseline to 6 months. A positive change value indicates an increase in the respective mass index from baseline, while a negative value indicates a decrease. FFMI measures the amount of fat-free mass (including muscle) relative to height.
Time frame: From the enrollment to the end of intervention at 6 months.
Change From Baseline in Children's Eating Behaviors and at 6 Months
Change from baseline in Emotional Undereating (EUE) scores at 6 months. EUE is a subscale of the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), consisting of items scored on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 5 = Always). The score for this subscale is calculated as the mean of its constituent items.
Time frame: From the enrollment to the end of intervention at 6 months.
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