Dietary Supplementation with Amaranth Protein Isolate Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Children with Overweight and Obesity: A Nonrandomized Trial.

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are chronic diseases that result from complex interactions including genetics, environment, eating behaviors, and limited access to a healthy diet. Amaranth protein (AmProt) has several health benefits, but no studies have examined its effects on the modulation of children's gut microbiota. The work aimed to analyze serum levels and changes in gut microbiota in children aged 8-10 years with different body mass index (BMI) values after supplementation with AmProt.

METHODS

Participating children were allocated into three groups according to their BMI: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and with obesity (OB). Children received AmProt for 90 days. Levels of fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin were analyzed before and after diet supplementation. HOMA-IR and adinopectin/leptin ratio were evaluated. Feces were collected and metagenome analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

No changes in glucose levels were observed across groups and treatments; however, cholesterol and triglycerides levels tended to decrease. The HOMA-IR value increased in relation to BMI and no changes were observed after treatment. Firmicutes were highly abundant in all groups. The lower abundance of Ruminococcus was observed in the OW and OB groups. In the OW group, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, and Roseburia were also observed in increased abundance. In all groups, AmProt consumption tended to increase the abundance of Coproccus, Prevotella, and Collinsella.

Conclusions

Supplementation of the children's diet with AmProt showed an improvement in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which could be related to changes in the microbiota related to lipid metabolism.