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

Qing Xu ； Huizi Li ； Yumeng Liu ； Peng Zhang ； Yong Zhang ； Xinsheng Zhang ； Yinghua Liu

《Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition》 31卷2期 (2022/06) Pp. 229-241

https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.202206_31(2).0009

摘要

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.

關鍵字

medium-chain triglycerides ； tunnel environment ； immunity ； gut microbiota