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Changes in Gut Microbiota Following Supplementation With Chitosan in Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Publisher



Fatahi S1 ; Sohouli MH2 ; Vahidshahi K3 ; Rohani P2 ; Safa M4 ; Salehi M5 ; Gaman MA6, 7 ; Shidfar F8
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Centre of Excellence, Children’S Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
  7. 7. Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
  8. 8. Faculty of Public Health Branch, Department of Nutrition, Iran University of Medical, Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity have been associated with an altered intestinal microbiome. Recent investigations have demonstrated that fiber supplementation, including chitosan, can exert beneficial and protective effects on the composition of gut microbiota in humans diagnosed with overweight/obesity. However, there is still a great deal of heated debate regarding the impact of chitosan supplementation in overweight and obese adolescents. Therefore, the aim of this study is to clarify the effects of chitosan administration on the composition of the gut microbiome in overweight and obese adolescents. Methods and analysis: Sixty-four overweight and obese adolescents were subjected to supplementation with 3 g of chitosan for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices and physical activity were measured at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. After DNA extraction and purification, the quantity of bacteria in the patients’ stool samples was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The RCT was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) website (IRCT20091114002709 N57; registration date: 2021 - 06 - 20). Results: Individuals who received chitosan supplementation experienced a significant decrease in the BMI z-score (P < 0.001). Administration of chitosan led to notable significant decrease in the Firmicutes (P < 0.001) populations and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (P < 0.001) as well as a notable increase in the Bacteroidetes (P = 0.008) and Akkermansia (P < 0.001) populations, respectively compare to control group. Mean changes in Lactobacillus populations were marginally significant (P = 0.05). Chitosan administration did not alter the composition in Bifidobacterium populations (P = 0.97). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates beneficial effects of chitosan administration on some bacterial species associated with overweight and obesity in adolescents. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and clarify the impact of this intervention on the Lactobacillus population in the gut. © The Author(s) 2025.
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