Gut microbiota and childhood obesity: biomarkers and response to therapeutic interventions. A systematized review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35381/s.v.v10i2.5262Keywords:
Gastrointestinal microbiome, pediatric obesity, biomarkers, prebiotics, probiotics, (Source: DeCS).Abstract
Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, and the gut microbiota has been proposed as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Objective: To analyze the evidence on the gut microbiota as a biomarker of childhood obesity and its response to therapeutic interventions. Method: Systematized review in PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO with predefined criteria; 16 studies were selected. Results: Children with obesity showed more Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, fewer Bacteroidetes, bifidobacteria and Akkermansia, and short-chain fatty acids associated with adiposity, although results were heterogeneous. A prebiotic reduced body fat by 2.4%; exercise and diet modified the microbiota, and fecal transplantation did not reduce body mass index. A Cochrane review of 17 trials found small effects with very low certainty. Conclusion: The microbiota is a promising but not yet validated biomarker, and interventions targeting it should complement, not replace, conventional treatment.
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