THE EFFECTS OF KEFIR CONSUMPTION ON HEALTH AND REDOX STATUS INDICES

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of daily kefir consumption on health and redox indices in adults. METHODS: 17 healthy adults aged 20-60 of both sexes participated in a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design and they either consumed kefir (300 ml per day) or placebo for two weeks. A two-week wash-out period between treatments was allowed. Anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences), physiological (systolic, diastolic και mean arterial pressure, heart rate, double product), performance (maximal oxygen consumption, flexibility, hand grip dynamometry) measurements were performed and blood sampling was carried out prior to and after the end of each supplementation period to assess indices of the complete blood count and oxidative stress (catalase, total antioxidant capacity, bilirubin, uric acid, TBARS). RESULTS: A significant interaction between time and condition [F (1, 32) = 8.92, p = .005] on diastolic blood pressure. Post hoc analysis revealed a significant decrease (p < .005) in diastolic blood pressure following kefir consumption. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between time and condition [F (1, 32) = 4.52, p = .041] on mean arterial pressure. Post hoc analysis revealed a significant decrease (p < .005) in mean arterial pressure following kefir consumption. Finally, there was a significant interaction between time and condition [F (1, 32) = 6.99, p = 0,013], and a significant effect of time [F (1, 32) = 4.63, p = 0,039] on total bilirubin. Post hoc analysis revealed a significant decrease (p < .005) in total bilirubin following kefir consumption. CONCLUSION: Short term kefir consumption may lead to significant changes in blood pressure.