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Systemic Inflammatory ResponseNCT06695221

Improving Health Outcomes With Kefir

A study testing Traditional Kefir in people with Systemic Inflammatory Response and Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, run by University of Alberta at 1 site in Canada.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether traditional kefir not only enhances vascular health but also contributes to improved immune outcomes in both male and female participants at higher risk or living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) after 12 weeks of treatment. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 24 to 70 years
What is being tested?
Traditional Kefir
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
156 participants
Where
1 siteCanada
Study dates
24 Mar 2026to Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 24 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • females and males (24-70 years old) living in Edmonton (or Edmonton area/driving distance);
  • overweight or obesity (BMI >25 Caucasian, >23 Asian);
  • at higher risk of T2D (fasting blood glucose ≥ 5.6 - 6.9 mmol/L or/and HbA1C ≥ 5.5 - 6.4%); or
  • with diagnosis of T2D (fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L or/and HbA1C ≥ 6.5%).

Who cannot join

  • a usual high intake (maximum intake 3 servings/week) of fermented foods excluding cheese (i.e., kefir, kombucha, kimchi, etc.) for the past 3 months;
  • gastrointestinal (GI) disorders of any kind;
  • being pregnant or breastfeeding;
  • monogenic dyslipidemias and endocrine disorders except for diabetes;
  • use of medications within the last 3 months (i.e., antibiotics or antifungals, corticosteroids, methotrexate, or immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents);
  • any health conditions deemed to interfere with primary outcomes at the investigator's discretion (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, GI surgery, heavy alcohol consumption, etc.);
  • having a pacemaker or any electrical medical device that prevents the individual from undergoing the bioelectrical impedance analysis bioimmunoassay (BIA) test."

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Paulina Aldana Hernandez, PhD contact

780-492-9506

paldana@ualberta.ca

Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Alberta

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1

    Paulina Aldana Hernandez, PhD, 780-492-9506, paldana@ualberta.ca

    Benjamin Willing, PhD

    Recruiting

Other trials in Canada

About this study

The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether traditional kefir not only enhances vascular health but also contributes to improved immune outcomes in both male and female participants at higher risk or living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) after 12 weeks of treatment.

Read the detailed description

Participants who sign the written consent form will undergo a screening process to determine eligibility for study entry. At the baseline visit, recruited participants will be randomized in a double-blind manner (participant and study coordinator) to consume either 350 mL of traditional fermented kefir or 350 mL of a placebo (milk) daily. During the 12 weeks of intervention, health outcomes will be measured and collected for further analysis.

Being tested
Traditional Kefir, Milk (placebo)
Keywords
Kefir, Systemic inflammation, Vascular markers, Gut microbiota, Fermented Foods
Medical subject headings
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Cardiovascular Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Traditional KefirDietary supplement

    350 mL/day of traditional fermented/prepared kefir

  • Milk (placebo)Dietary supplement

    350 mL/day of commercial 2% fat milk

Study groups in NCT06695221
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Participants living with T2DExperimentalRandomly assigned to consume either traditional kefir or milk as a placebo.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Traditional Kefir; Dietary Supplement: Milk (placebo)
Participants with higher risk of T2DExperimentalRandomly assigned to consume either traditional kefir or milk as a placebo.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Traditional Kefir; Dietary Supplement: Milk (placebo)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels (Percentage)

    The primary outcome is the change in HbA1c levels, measured as a percentage of total hemoglobin using standard laboratory methods. This measurement assesses average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into the effect of our traditional kefir on long-term glucose regulation.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Change in Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels (mmol/L)

    This outcome measures the change in fasting plasma glucose levels using standard blood glucose analysis. The assessment at multiple time points will provide insights into the short-term impact of our traditional kefir on fasting glucose regulation.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  2. Change in Total Cholesterol (mmol/L)

    This outcome evaluates changes in total cholesterol concentration, providing insights into the effect of our traditional kefir on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  3. Change in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (mmol/L)

    This outcome measures the change in LDL-C levels, a primary marker of cardiovascular health, to assess the potential cardiovascular benefits of our traditional kefir. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  4. Change in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (mmol/L)

    This outcome assesses the change in HDL-C concentration to evaluate whether our traditional kefir consumption has beneficial effects on lipid profiles. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  5. Change in Triglyceride levels (mmol/L)

    This outcome measures the change in triglyceride concentration to determine the effect of our traditional kefir on lipid metabolism and metabolic health. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  6. Change in Circulating C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels (mg/L)

    This outcome measures changes in CRP, a systemic inflammation marker, providing insight into whether our traditional kefir impacts inflammatory responses in participants. It will be measured in plasma samples using standard laboratory methods.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  7. Change in Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in Supernatant of Ex Vivo Stimulated Cells from Whole Blood (pg/mL)

    This outcome measures changes in IL-2 levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood, serving as a surrogate marker of T-cell proliferation. IL-2 will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation. This assessment provides insight into immune function and response.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  8. Change in T Helper Cell Response Measured by Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) Levels in Supernatant of Ex Vivo Stimulated Cells from Whole Blood (pg/mL)

    This outcome evaluates changes in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood. IFN-γ is a key cytokine secreted by T helper cells, serving as an indicator of cellular immune response and Th1 activity. IFN-γ will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  9. Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Levels in Supernatant of Ex Vivo Stimulated Cells from Whole Blood (pg/mL)

    This outcome measures changes in TNF-α levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and serves as a marker of immune system activation. TNF-α will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

  10. Change in Gut Microbiome Composition and Functional Capacity (Relative Abundance)

    This outcome examines changes in the composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing or metagenomic analysis. The analysis will focus on relative abundance and diversity of bacterial taxa and functional pathways associated with metabolic health.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted19 Nov 2024
  2. Study start24 Mar 2026
  3. Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
156 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06695221
Sponsor's protocol ID
Pro00139307
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
13 Nov 2024
Last updated
8 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Wastyk HC, Fragiadakis GK, Perelman D, Dahan D, Merrill BD, Yu FB, Topf M, Gonzalez CG, Van Treuren W, Han S, Robinson JL, Elias JE, Sonnenburg ED, Gardner CD, Sonnenburg JL. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell. 2021 Aug 5;184(16):4137-4153.e14. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019. Epub 2021 Jul 12.

    PubMed 34256014
  • Savaiano DA, Hutkins RW. Yogurt, cultured fermented milk, and health: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2021 Apr 7;79(5):599-614. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa013.

    PubMed 32447398
  • Braga Tibaes JR, Barreto Silva MI, Makarowski A, Cervantes PB, Richard C. The nutrition and immunity (nutrIMM) study: protocol for a non-randomized, four-arm parallel-group, controlled feeding trial investigating immune function in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Front Nutr. 2023 Sep 1;10:1243359. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1243359. eCollection 2023.

    PubMed 37727636
  • Bourrie BC, Willing BP, Cotter PD. The Microbiota and Health Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir. Front Microbiol. 2016 May 4;7:647. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00647. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27199969
  • Bourrie, B, Cotter, P, Willing, BP, 2018. Traditional kefir reduces weight gain and improves plasma and liver lipid profiles more successfully than a commercial equivalent in a mouse model of obesity. Journal of Functional Foods, 46: 29-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2018.04.039

  • Bourrie BCT, Richard C, Willing BP. Kefir in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. Curr Nutr Rep. 2020 Sep;9(3):184-192. doi: 10.1007/s13668-020-00315-3.

    PubMed 32472367
  • Bourrie BCT, Ju T, Fouhse JM, Forgie AJ, Sergi C, Cotter PD, Willing BP. Kefir microbial composition is a deciding factor in the physiological impact of kefir in a mouse model of obesity. Br J Nutr. 2021 Jan 28;125(2):129-138. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520002743. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

    PubMed 32684173
  • Bourrie BCT, Forgie AJ, Ju T, Richard C, Cotter PD, Willing BP. Consumption of the cell-free or heat-treated fractions of a pitched kefir confers some but not all positive impacts of the corresponding whole kefir. Front Microbiol. 2022 Nov 24;13:1056526. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1056526. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 36504827
  • Bourrie BCT, Forgie AJ, Makarowski A, Cotter PD, Richard C, Willing BP. Consumption of kefir made with traditional microorganisms resulted in greater improvements in LDL cholesterol and plasma markers of inflammation in males when compared to a commercial kefir: a randomized pilot study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2023 Sep 1;48(9):668-677. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0463. Epub 2023 May 24.

    PubMed 37224566

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Traditional Kefir in people with Systemic Inflammatory Response and Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, run by University of Alberta at 1 site in Canada.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Paulina Aldana Hernandez, PhD (780-492-9506, paldana@ualberta.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels (Percentage) (time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06695221, which also lists 9 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 May 2026.

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