Beneficial Effects of Synbiotics on the Gut Microbiome in Individuals with Low Fiber Intake: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Insufficient dietary fiber intake can negatively affect the intestinal microbiome and, over time, may result in gut dysbiosis, thus potentially harming overall health. This randomized controlled trial aimed to improve the gut microbiome of individuals with low dietary fiber intake (<25 g/day) during a 7-week synbiotic intervention. The metabolically healthy male participants (n = 117, 32 ± 10 y, BMI 25.66 ± 3.1 kg/m2) were divided into two groups: one receiving a synbiotic supplement (Biotic Junior, MensSana AG, Forchtenberg, Germany) and the other a placebo, without altering their dietary habits or physical activity. These groups were further stratified by their dietary fiber intake into a low fiber group (LFG) and a high fiber group (HFG). Stool samples for microbiome analysis were collected before and after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed effects and partial least squares models. At baseline, the microbiomes of the LFG and HFG were partially separated. After seven weeks of intervention, the abundance of SCFA-producing microbes significantly increased in the LFG, which is known to improve gut health; however, this effect was less pronounced in the HFG. Beneficial effects on the gut microbiome in participants with low fiber intake may be achieved using synbiotics, demonstrating the importance of personalized synbiotics.