A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that regular consumption of black tea kombucha may help reduce harmful gut bacteria associated with obesity.
The eight-week clinical study involved 46 participants, equally divided into normal weight and obese groups, with 38 completing the trial. Participants consumed 200 mL of lab-prepared black tea kombucha daily.
Researchers tracked changes in gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and key biological markers using blood, urine, and stool samples.
Findings revealed that kombucha, rich in phenolic compounds—primarily flavonoids—promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidota, Akkermansiaceae, and the butyrate-producing Subdoligranulum.
These effects were more pronounced in obese participants. Additionally, there were significant reductions in Ruminococcus and Dorea, bacterial genera often linked to obesity.
While shifts in gut fungal populations were noted, overall fungal diversity did not increase. No major changes were detected in short-chain fatty acid levels or intestinal permeability across groups.
Despite its small size and lack of a control group, the study provides early human-based evidence that kombucha may support gut health, particularly in individuals with obesity. Researchers emphasized the need for larger, controlled trials to confirm these effects.
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