Effect of Kombucha Consumption on the Microbiome in Healthy Subjects

An altered intestinal gut microbiota, i.e. dysbiosis, has been associated with the development of intestinal disease including inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease. Fermented foods such as Kefir, Kombucha, Miso, and Kimchi contain potentially probiotic microorganisms. The characteristic microbiome in kombucha includes several genera of acetic acid bacteria, yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Interactions between bacteria and yeast species can lead to the generation of a wide range of metabolites with interesting bioactivities such as organic acids, sugars, phenolic compounds. Kombucha produced from green and black tea contain many phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and effect on the intestinal microbiota. However, there is a lack of intervention trials investigating the health benefits of fermented foods. Therefore, the investigators propose a human intervention study to assess if daily consumption of two servings of kombucha will alter the intestinal microbiota, decrease inflammation, and improve digestive health in a two-phase design in a free-living population.

This will be a randomized, controlled, two arm intervention study. The study will be conducted in 30 healthy, free-living subjects (21-55 years). After 4-weeks of consuming a beige diet (i.e. low-fiber, low polyphenol diet), 20 subjects will consume one bottle (two servings) of kombucha daily for 4 weeks and 10 subjects will not change their dietary habits. At baseline (week 0), week 4 and 8, blood will be collected. On the day prior to the study visits at week 4 and 8, participants will collect a stool and bring it to the lab. On the day of study visit week 0, 4, and 8, body weight and composition will be determined, and questionnaires and 3-day food record will be collected.

Inclusion criteria

• Typically consume low fiber/polyphenol diet (beige diet)
• BMI within 25-29.9 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Eating a high fiber/polyphenol diet or taking any medication or dietary supplement, which interfere with the absorption of polyphenols
• History of gastrointestinal surgery, diabetes mellitus on medications, or other serious medical condition, such as chronic hepatic or renal disease, bleeding disorder, congestive heart disease, chronic diarrhea disorders, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty within 6 months prior to screening, current diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic BP >160mmHg, diastolic BP > 95mmHg), active or chronic gastrointestinal disorders, bulimia, anorexia, laxative abuse, or endocrine diseases (except thyroid disease requiring medication) as indicated by medical history or routine physical examination
• Is unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol
• Using prebiotics, probiotics, yogurt, and/or any fiber supplements regularly
• Taking antibiotics or laxatives within the past 3 months
• Allergy or sensitivity to kombucha
• In the opinion of the study investigator, any subject who demonstrate a risk of non-compliance with study procedure, or one who cannot read, understand, or complete study