This is an 8-week randomized controlled dietary interventional trial.The objectives of this study include:~To investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation and/or dietary intervention with fruits and vegetables on gut microbial diversity and composition, and on inflammation, metabolic functioning, overweight and obesity among Hong Kong Chinese~To study whether the changes in gut microbial diversity and composition upon the interventions in Hong Kong Chinese are correlated with metabolic functioning and inflammation, as well as overweight or obesity
Synbiotic is a nutritional supplement that contains both prebiotic and probiotic. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, while prebiotics are foods that help the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. In the study, dietary intervention with fruits and vegetables and/or synbiotic supplementation with be administered to Hong Kong Chinese subjects for eight weeks. Changes in the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota, and markers indicative of obesity, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction will be assessed throughout the whole period. This study will further provide a scientific basis for the intake of synbiotics for reducing the risk of overweight and obesity among Hong Kong Chinese. Furthermore, the results will bridge to further research into the most desirable gut microbiome profile, hence facilitating personalised nutrition for optimal health.