Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of a beverage containing ora-pro-nobis (OPN) flour on intestinal microbiota, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anthropometric parameters in women.
Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial included 24 women volunteers. For 6 wk, the test group received a beverage supplemented with OPN, and the control group received the same beverage without OPN. Fecal microbiota were evaluated by the fluorescence in situ hybridization method. Each participant responded to a questionnaire based on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The data were analyzed by Student's t test to compare the effects between treatments (P < 0.05).
Results: Supplementation with the OPN beverage reduced weight (P = 0.008), waist circumference (P = 0.010), and body fat (P = 0.000). Additionally, the treatment increased satiety (P = 0.039), reduced eructation (P = 0.038) and constipation (P = 0.017), and improved feces consistency (P = 0.017).
Conclusion: The OPN flour beverage has an effect on weight reduction, body fat composition, and improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms. These results highlight the beneficial effects of ora-pro-nobis flour beverage against the development of obesity.
Keywords: Fecal microbiota; Flour; Functional food; Intestinal microbiota; Obesity; Underutilized plant.
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