The effect of nutritional intervention with lactoferrin, galactooligosacharides and vitamin D on the gut microbiota composition of healthy elderly women

in the present study, we examined the effect of bovine lactoferrin, galactoligosacharides and vitamind D on the gut microbiota composition of 25 elderly women. Participants were distributed into two groups receiving either the dietary intervention (n=12) or the placebo treatment (n=13) for a total period of 9 weeks. During the first 3 weeks of the study, the intervention group consumed 1 g/day bLF, followed by 3 weeks of 1 g/day bLF and 2.64g/day active galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and 3 weeks of 1 g/day bLF, 2.64g/day GOS and 20 µg/day of vitamin D. The placebo group received maltodextrin, in matching dosages with the supplements administrated to the intervention group. Fecal bacterial composition was profiled using partial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and short-chain fatty acids analysis (SCFA) concentrations were determined with high liquid performance chromatography. Finally, the fecal levels of calprotectin, zonulin, and alpha-1-antitrypsin were measured, as markers of gastrointestinal barrier and inflammation.