Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from obese individuals supplemented with a fermented canola-seaweed blend

This study presents a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to explore the potential impacts of fermented canola seaweed (FCS) on overweight adults at elevated risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The trial encompasses 82 adult participants, both men and women, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32 or higher. Over a six-week period, participants were randomly assigned to receive either FCS (5g/day) or a placebo in the form of rye cereal. Fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was applied to examine the microbial composition and potential changes in the gut microbiota associated with the dietary supplementation.