Amaranth Protein Isolate Improves Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Gut Microbiota in Overweight Children

Childhood overweight and obesity are complex chronic diseases driven by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, often leading to metabolic dysfunction. Current interventions frequently fall short, highlighting a need for novel, safe strategies. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host metabolism and energy balance, making it a promising target for intervention. Amaranth protein (AmProt), derived from the amaranth plant, is recognized for its nutritional value and potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its specific impact on modulating the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in children with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance had not been previously explored, representing a significant knowledge gap this study aimed to address.

This nonrandomized trial investigated the effects of Amaranth Protein Isolate supplementation in children aged 8-10 years. Participants were allocated into three groups based on their BMI: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and with obesity (OB). All children received Amaranth Protein Isolate daily for a duration of 90 days. Researchers analyzed fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels both before and after the supplementation period. Additionally, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) and the adinopectin/leptin ratio were evaluated as markers of metabolic health. Fecal samples were collected from all participants, and a comprehensive metagenome analysis was performed to assess changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity.

No significant changes in fasting glucose levels were observed across any of the groups following Amaranth Protein Isolate supplementation. However, a positive trend was noted for lipid profiles, with serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels tending to decrease across the intervention period. The HOMA-IR value, an indicator of insulin resistance, was observed to increase in relation to BMI, but no changes were seen after treatment. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that Firmicutes were highly abundant in all participant groups. Specifically, a lower abundance of the bacterial genus Ruminococcus was observed in both the OW and OB groups compared to the NW group. In the OW group, the genera Blautia, Butyricicoccus, and Roseburia were observed in increased abundance after supplementation. Across all three groups (NW, OW, OB), consumption of Amaranth Protein Isolate tended to increase the abundance of Coproccus, Prevotella, and Collinsella.