Effect of Kimchi Intake on Body Fat in Overweight Subjects

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the anti-obesity effect of kimchi fermented with the addition of specific lactic acid bacteria.

Two different kimchi, one traditional kimchi and one fermented with a lactic acid bacteria having anti-obesity effect, hereafter starter kimchi, are flash freeze dried, powdered and encapsulated. Specifically, subjects with a BMI of between 23~30kg/m2 take 1,200 mg of traditional kimchi or starter kimchi capsules three times per day before each meal, for a total of 3,600 mg per day. As a control, subjects with a BMI of 23 to 30 kg/m2 take lactose capsules in a similar form and in the same amount. The total study period is 16 weeks of intake of kimchi capsules or placebo capsules, excluding the 2 weeks of preparation period for subject selection. Before and after taking the kimchi capsule or the placebo capsule, the following evaluation criteria of the subject will be measured; DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), BMI, Weight, Waist to Hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, calculate LDL-C, FFA, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, Adiponectin, Leptin. Also, Changes in gut microbiome composition will be determined by measuring bacterial population levels in stool samples collected before and after taking kimchi capsules or placebo capsules.

Inclusion criteria

• Willing to consent to study participation and to comply with study requirements
• Male and female subjects, 20-65 years of age
• BMI of 23-30 kg/m2
• Those who agreed not to consume Kimchi during the clinical study

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with crucial cerebrovascular disease (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage etc.), or heart failure (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia etc.) or malignancy within 6 months
• Uncontrolled hypertension (Elevated blood pressure (>160/>100))
• Thyroid function test abnormality
• Patients with significantly impaired kidney function: serume creatinine levels ≥2 times upper limit of normal
• Patients with significantly impaired liver function: ALT or AST≥3 times upper limit of normal
• Irregular or occasional gastrointestinal disorders (heartburn, indigestion, etc.)
• Having taken drugs with a known influence on weight in the previous 1 month, such as diet pills, anti-depression drugs, beta-blockers, diuretic, contraceptives, corticosteroids, or female hormones
• Participation in other dietary programmes or services within 3 months
• Participation in other clinical trials within the past 1 month
• Alcohol abuse
• Quitted smoking within 3 months
• Pregnancy or lactation or planning on becoming pregnant
• Have a Kimchi allergy
• Those who are judged unsuitable by the researcher for other reasons
• Taking probiotics within 2 weeks