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The primary objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of regular consumption of fermented vegetables for six weeks on markers of inflammation and the composition of the gut microflora in women (clinical trials ID: NTC03407794). Thirty-one women were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g/day of fermented vegetables (group A), 100 g/day pickled vegetables (group B), or no vegetables (group C) for six weeks. Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and blood and stool samples were provided before and after the intervention for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). Next-generation sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Participants’ ages ranged between 18 and 69 years. Both groups A and B had a mean daily consumption of 91g of vegetables for 32 and 36 days, respectively. Serum CRP ranged between 0.9 and 265 ng/mL (SD = 92.4) at baseline, while TNF-α and LBP concentrations ranged between 0 and 9 pg/mL (SD = 2.3), and 7 and 29 μg/mL (SD = 4.4), respectively. There were no significant changes in levels of inflammatory markers among groups. At timepoint 2, group A showed an increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P = 0.022), a decrease in Ruminococcus torques (P<0.05), and a trend towards greater alpha diversity measured by the Shannon index (P = 0.074). The findings indicate that consumption of ~100 g/day of fermented vegetables for six weeks is feasible and may result in beneficial changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. Future trials should determine whether consumption of fermented vegetables is an effective strategy against gut dysbiosis.

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Background: Body image, one's perception of personal physical appearance, can be positive or negative, leading to body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction. Body satisfaction and dissatisfaction affect individuals of all ages and have the potential to impact lifestyle choices. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between body image and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Participants: Undergraduate students at a state university in the southeastern United States. Methods: An email was sent, providing a link to an online survey that included: demographic, body image, and screen time questions; the Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity tool; and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Results: 1,056 usable surveys were returned. The participants were primarily Caucasian females (75%) who were college juniors or seniors (65.5%). The majority (71%) indicated they were satisfied with their body, although many (60.3%) wanted to alter it. Most (65.1%) had a normal BMI. Only 23.3% meet physical activity guidelines. Healthy lifestyle behaviors were engaged in "sometimes" and "often, but not routinely." Body image was correlated with healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: Programs and resources focusing on promotion of positive body image, appropriate physical activity, and healthy eating behaviors should be the norm on college campuses.

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Background: Important changes in lifestyle habits, especially diet, typically occur during the transitional period between high school and college and some of these changes may increase the risk of inflammation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and inflammation in college students. Methods: Students enrolled in a southeastern university participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed online questionnaires for assessment of demographics, supplement and dietary intake, sleep quality, and perceived stress. Body composition was measured during a clinic visit via air displacement plethysmography and blood and urine were collected for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and cortisol, respectively. Analysis of variance was used to examine associations between tertiles of CRP levels and lifestyle variables and a linear regression model was fit to investigate whether there were any significant predictors of CRP levels. Results: Analysis included data for 83 participants for whom serum CRP levels and diet intake were available. Approximately 68% of the participants were female; mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 24 years and 23.4 kg/m2, respectively. Alcohol intake was significantly associated with increasing CRP levels ( P = 0.017). No other dietary variables or lifestyle characteristics such as sleep quality, perceived stress, or BMI were associated with tertiles of CRP. The best model to predict CRP levels included urinary cortisol, aerobic exercise duration, alcohol, and vitamin E intake ( adjusted R2=0.27). Conclusion: Alcohol and vitamin E intake were found to be associated with increased CRP levels.

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