Evaluation of Milk Polar Lipids in Dyslipidemic Adults With Abdominal Obesity

The investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel, intervention study in dyslipidemic adults with abdominal obesity (n = 130). Participants will consume either a control dairy beverage (n = 65) or an MPL-rich dairy beverage (n = 65) for 8 weeks. The investigators plan to evaluate the following 4 specific objectives:

• Determine the effects of MPLs on serum lipid concentrations and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Evaluate the effects of MPLs on systemic biomarkers of low-grade inflammation.
• Examine the effects of MPLs on lipoprotein metabolism and lipoprotein particle characteristics.
• Evaluate the effects of MPLs on gut microbiota, gut permeability markers, and fecal lipids.

Inclusion criteria

• LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL
• Waist circumference ≥ 88 cm for women, ≥ 102 cm for men
• Aged 18 to 70 years

Exclusion criteria

• Renal disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Eating disorders
• Thyroid disease
• Gut-associated pathologies
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Scleroderma
• Gallbladder disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Intravenous drug use
• Fasting plasma/serum triglycerides >500 mg/dL
• Fasting plasma/serum glucose >126 mg/d
• Weight changes >10% over last 4 weeks
• Oral antibiotics use up to 1 month prior to and during study
• Allergy or intolerance to milk products
• Taking lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, fibrates)
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
• Taking medications which primarily affect blood clotting (e.g., warfarin).