Medium-chain triglycerides reduce diarrhea with improved immune status and gut microbiomics in tunnel workers in China.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Adverse environmental factors in tunnels increase the occurrence of respiratory and intestinal inflammatory disease, which is seriously harmful to worker health. It is reported that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can improve immune status and alter the gut microflora. This study investigates MCT effects on immune status and gut microbiota among tunnel workers.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN:

Forty-five workers were randomly divided into an MCT group (n=30) and control group (n=15), where they ingested MCT-milk or a placebo milk for 12 weeks, respectively. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of respiratory infection and diarrhea. Secondary outcomes were changes in serum immune-related markers and changes in gut microbiota.

RESULTS:

The incidence of diarrhea in MCT group was significantly decreased after 4 weeks (p<0.01), with no significant differences in the control group. MCT reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6) and enhanced the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, C3, C4, IgA, IgG, and IgM), respectively (p<0.01). The Chao index was reduced (p<0.01) and microbiota composition changed significantly after 12 weeks of MCT intervention. MCT reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Roseburia, Ruminococcus_1, Lachnospira and increased that of Blautia and Fusicatenibacter at the genus level (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The consumption of MCT reduces diarrhea occurrence and improves serum immune profiles together with gut microbiomics in tunnel workers.

• Authors: Qing Xu, Huizi Li, Yumeng Liu, Peng Zhang, Yong Zhang, Xinsheng Zhang, Yinghua Liu
• Journal: Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition (Asia Pac J Clin Nutr) Vol. 31 Issue 2 Pg. 229-241 ( 2022) ISSN: 1440-6047 [Electronic] China
• PMID: 35766559 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antibodies
• Cytokines
• Triglycerides

Topics

• Antibodies (blood)
• China
• Cytokines (blood)
• Diarrhea (therapy)
• Gastrointestinal Microbiome
• Humans
• Inflammation (therapy)
• Intestinal Diseases (therapy)
• Occupational Diseases (therapy)
• Triglycerides (administration & dosage)