Association of dietary live microbes and nondietary prebiotic/probiotic intake with metabolic syndrome in US adults: evidence from NHANES

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) presents substantial health risks, and the supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics is regarded as a promising management approach. This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary intake of live microbes and non-dietary prebiotic/probiotic intake and MetS among US adults.

Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2016 was used in this study. MetS is defined according to the criteria set by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III-2005. Dietary intake information and probiotic/prebiotic intake data were collected through self-reported questionnaires. Multiple logistic models were applied to explore the relationships between dietary live microbes, and probiotic or prebiotic intake with MetS.

Results: A significantly lower prevalence of MetS was observed in individuals with a high intake of dietary live microbes compared to those with a low intake (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69-0.91). This association was particularly strong among participants with higher economic status and advanced educational attainment (interaction P < 0.05). Similarly, individuals with non-dietary probiotics intake displayed a similar trend (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92). Conversely, there was no significant association found between non-dietary prebiotic intake and MetS.

Conclusions: Dietary live microbes intake and non-dietary probiotic intake were negatively associated with the prevalence of MetS and its components. The study offers novel evidence supporting the effective management of MetS.