This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation for treating obesity-induced skin barrier impairment in individuals aged 18-40 with a BMI ≥30. The study focuses on the following questions: Can oral Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation reduce skin barrier damage (measured by transepidermal water loss/TEWL) in obese participants? Does modulation of gut microbiota with Lactobacillus reuteri impact skin barrier function and systemic inflammation? Researchers will compare outcomes across two groups: Intervention Group (Obese): Oral Lactobacillus reuteri capsules. Placebo Control Group (Obese): Oral inactive (heat-killed) Lactobacillus reuteri. Participant Procedures: Take daily oral capsules (Lactobacillus reuteri or inactive strain) for 4 weeks. Undergo non-invasive skin testing (TEWL measurements) at baseline and study completion. Provide stool and samples for analyses. Complete weekly check-ins to report adverse effects (e.g., gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritation).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
140
1×10\^11 CFU of inactive Lactobacillus reuteri was given orally once daily for one month
1×10\^11 CFU of inactive Lactobacillus reuteri was given orally once daily for one month
Change in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
Mean change from baseline in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on the volar forearm, measured by Tewameter under standardized conditions, reported in grams per square meter per hour (g/m²/h).
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
Change in Fecal Genistein Concentration
Mean change from baseline in the concentration of genistein in fecal samples, quantified using LC-MS/MS, reported in micrograms per gram (μg/g)
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
Change in Skin Microbial Alpha Diversity
Mean change from baseline in the Shannon Diversity Index of skin microbiota, assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
Change in clinical skin health score
Mean change from baseline in the total score of the Skin Dryness Scoring System, reported as a continuous score (0-8, replace with your scale range).
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI)
Mean change from baseline in Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, reported in kg/m².
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
Change in body weight
Mean change from baseline in total body weight, reported in kilograms (kg).
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month
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