Effects of kefir consumption on gut microbiota and health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is common among women of reproductive age, is characterized by low‐grade chronic inflammation and is associated with several health problems and dysbiosis. Kefir has been shown to have many beneficial health effects; however, its effect on PCOS is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of kefir on the intestinal microbiota and health outcomes in PCOS. In this intervention study, 17 women with PCOS consumed 250 mL/day of kefir (containing Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefirgranum, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus parakefiri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesentereoides, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for 8 weeks. Food consumption and physical activity records, anthropometrical measurements, quality of life, and fecal and blood samples were taken at the study's beginning and end. Quality of life in mental health (58.8 ± 15.08; 64.0 ± 15.23, respectively) and physical function (95.00 and 100.00, respectively) categories showed a significant increase after kefir intervention (p < .05). Additionally, Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), one of the inflammatory cytokines, significantly decreased (174.00 and 109.10 ng/L, respectively) (p < .05). The intestinal barrier permeability was evaluated with zonulin, and no significant change was observed. Gut microbiota analysis showed that while the relative abundance of the class Bacilli and genus Lactococcus significantly increased, the genus Holdemania decreased with kefir consumption (p < .05). In conclusion, kefir appears to be beneficial for improving the microbiota and some health outcomes, like reducing inflammation and improving quality of life in PCOS. Therefore, kefir may be useful in the treatment of PCOS.