A new study from the University of Nottingham has found that combining certain dietary supplements is more effective than using single supplements like fiber or omega-3 alone.
The research shows that this combined approach can better support immune and metabolic health and may help reduce the risk of diseases linked to chronic inflammation.
The study was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine and focused on a supplement called a synbiotic. A synbiotic is a combination of probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (the food that helps those good bacteria grow).
In this case, the researchers tested a mix of traditionally fermented kefir and a blend of prebiotic fibers. The kefir and fiber mix used in the study was supplied by Chuckling Goat Ltd.
Kefir is a fermented drink made by adding live kefir grains to goat’s milk. These grains contain many types of helpful bacteria and yeasts. When paired with prebiotic fiber, the combination creates a powerful effect.
The fiber feeds the healthy microbes in the kefir, helping them grow and produce helpful substances such as butyrate. Butyrate is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to help the immune system function better.
In the study, healthy participants took the synbiotic daily for six weeks. The researchers compared the results to participants who took either omega-3 supplements or fiber alone. They found that the synbiotic group had the largest and most widespread reduction in inflammation-related proteins in the blood.
These proteins are called systemic inflammatory markers. They are signs of inflammation happening throughout the body—not just in one place like the stomach or from a short-term illness.
A drop in these markers shows that inflammation is going down across the entire body. This is important because chronic inflammation is linked to many serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic problems.
The study was led by Dr. Amrita Vijay from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham. She explained, “Our study shows that while all three dietary approaches reduced inflammation, the synbiotic—combining fermented kefir with a diverse prebiotic fiber mix—had the most powerful and wide-ranging effects.”
She added that the key may be how beneficial microbes interact with dietary fiber to support immune balance and better health.
The next step in the research is to test this combination in people who already have chronic conditions to see if the benefits are the same.
This study offers exciting news for those interested in improving their immune system and overall health. While single supplements can help, combining probiotics and prebiotic fiber may offer even greater benefits—especially when using naturally fermented products like kefir.
As always, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions.
If you care about health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more health information, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The study is published in the Journal of Translational Medicine.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
