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Improving health outcomes with kefir.

Diabetes | Prediabetes | Cardiovascular | Immunity

Our study aims to investigate the health benefits of traditional kefir, a fermented dairy drink, especially in metabolic conditions. Unlike commercial kefir, traditional versions with a mix of bacteria and yeast seem more beneficial. In mice, traditional kefir was better than commercial ones in high-fat/cholesterol conditions. Our pilot trial in humans showed promising results, leading us to explore further in people with high blood glucose. We want to see if traditional kefir improves vascular health and immune outcomes in both females and males over 12 weeks.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Any
  • Eligible Ages:

    24 to 70

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
a. Female or male individuals living with T2D or at risk of T2D.
b. Between 24 and 70 years of age.
c. With high blood sugar levels or type 2 diabetes.
Exclusion Criteria:
a. Eating more than 3 servings/week of fermented foods (except cheese) in the last 3 months;
b. Having gastrointestinal disorders or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, organ transplant);
c. Being pregnant or breastfeeding;
d. Having endocrine disorders (except diabetes) or monogenic dyslipidemia;
e. Taking antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, or immune-suppressing drugs in the last 3 months;
f. Having serious health issues (e.g., kidney/liver disease, cancer, GI surgery, heavy alcohol use);
g. Using a pacemaker or other electronic medical device;
h. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides (unless stable on meds for 3+ months);
i. Using probiotics or prebiotics recently (needs 4-week washout);
j. Being lactose intolerant or having serious food allergies (e.g., dairy, nuts, soy).

Study Location

University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Dr. Caroline Richard

[email protected]
780-248-1827
Primary Contact

Dr. Benjamin Willing

[email protected]
780-492-8908
Primary Contact

Dr. Paulina Aldana Hernandez

[email protected]
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Study Sponsored By
University of Alberta
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: Pro00139307