Calorie-restricted oat diet is associated with zonulin and short-chain fatty acid response in metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Gut MicrobesApr 23, 2026 (epub)
Linda Klümpen, Aakash Mantri, Anna Donkers et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of two oat diets on gut permeability markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants consuming a calorie-restricted oat diet showed a decrease in serum zonulin and an increase in plasma butyric acid compared to baseline. The study involved 27 participants for the short-term diet and 22 for the long-term diet.
Key findings
- Serum zonulin decreased upon a 2-day calorie-restricted oat diet compared to baseline.
- Plasma butyric acid increased compared to the control diet.
- Zonulin reduction correlated inversely with changes in short-chain fatty acids, particularly valeric and butyric acids.
- Microbial composition shifts were associated with the dietary changes.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of dietary interventions on gut permeability can inform strategies to manage metabolic syndrome. Improved gut health may contribute to better metabolic outcomes in affected individuals.