Kefir improves blood parameters and reduces cardiovascular risks in patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MS) occurs when different metabolic and hemodynamic components change simultaneously, being one of the factors related to high mortality rates in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effects of the probiotic kefir on anthropometric and physiological parameters in human subjects with MS. Methodsforty-eight patients diagnosed with MS were assigned into two groups in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Kefir group (KG) and control group (CG) drank kefir beverage and curd (1.6 mL/kg for men or 1.9 mL/kg for women) for 12 weeks, respectively. Blood pressure, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters (fasting glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HA1c), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDLc), triglycerides (Tg), oxidized LDL cholesterol (oxLDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinophosphokinase (CPK), γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT), urea nitrogen, urea, and creatinine were evaluated before and after treatment. The risk of cardiovascular events for the next ten years was calculated through the Framingham Score method. ResultsKefir intake decreased blood pressure, fasting glycemia, LDLc, non-HDLc, Tg, and oxLDL, and increased HDLc levels in women. Kefir also reduced the risk of cardiovascular events for the next ten years, although anthropometric parameters remained unchanged. ConclusionsKefir intake improved blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid levels, reducing oxLDL and the risk of developing cardiovascular events in the next ten years. These results suggest regular kefir intake may have positive effects on MS treatment.