Simple Food Combination May Outperform Omega-3 Supplements in Reducing Inflammation
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A simple dietary combination could offer broader immune benefits than omega-3s alone.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that combining kefir with a prebiotic fiber blend led to greater reductions in inflammation markers than omega-3 supplements or fiber alone.
The findings, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, suggest that supporting gut bacteria may play an important role in immune and metabolic function.
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Kefir is a fermented dairy drink similar to yogurt that contains live bacteria and yeast.
Drinking kefir and taking fiber together may help reduce inflammation more effectively than omega-3 supplements. (iStock)
When kefir was combined with prebiotic fiber, the researchers observed a stronger effect. Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria, helping them grow and function more effectively, the study explained.
As those beneficial bacteria thrive, they produce natural substances that help calm inflammation in the body.
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In the six-week study, people who took the kefir and fiber combination showed the greatest drop in markers related to whole-body inflammation.
Those who took omega-3 supplements or fiber alone also improved, but not to the same degree, the study suggested.
Over six weeks, those taking kefir and fiber experienced the largest drop in inflammation markers, while omega-3s or fiber alone produced smaller reductions. (iStock)
“Our study shows that while all three dietary approaches reduced inflammation, the synbiotic (which combines fermented kefir with a diverse mix of prebiotic fibers) had the most powerful and far-reaching effects,” said Amrita Vijay, a gut microbiome scientist who led the research.
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The researchers measured systemic inflammatory markers, which indicate that inflammation occurs throughout the body.
Inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic low-level inflammation that persists over time has been linked to conditions such as heart and metabolic diseases, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Throughout the study, researchers monitored blood markers to track changes in inflammation throughout the body. (iStock)
The findings suggest that combining probiotics and prebiotics may provide broader support than relying on a single supplement.
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“This suggests that the interaction between gut microbes and dietary fiber may be key to supporting immune balance and metabolic health,” Vijay said.
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The team plans to further investigate how synbiotic supplementation may affect people with chronic inflammatory disorders.
Kelly McGreal is a production assistant on the lifestyle team at News Digital.