The Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation on Total Antioxidant Capacity Levels in Adolescents Exposed to Air Pollution: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Exposure to air pollution might increase malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Synbiotics by changing intestinal flora can decrease the inflammatory markers. There is lack of evidence about the effect of synbiotic supplementation on oxidative stress in children and adolescent. This study aims to evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on MDA in healthy adolescents who were exposed to air pollution. Methods This randomized single-blind, controlled trial was conducted among 70 participants aged 10-18 years who were exposed to air pollution. Participants were randomly divided into two groups that received either a synbiotic (n= 38) or omega-3 (n= 32) for 8 weeks. MDA was measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: MAD levels decreased significantly at the end of the intervention in comparison with baseline in synbiotic group (148.80±80.72 vs 51.54±82.94, p<0.001). In crude model, no significant changes were demonstrated in MDA levels between groups (P=0.75). However, after adjustment the analysis with confounder significant reduction was observed with synbiotic consumption. Conclusion: synbiotic supplementation might be associated with reduction of MDA levels that may be increased due to air pollution. Investigation the effects of air pollutants on children and adolescent is very important. Further large-scale studies are required to highlight the importance of synbiotic on adverse effects of air pollution in pediatric age groups. © 2025, Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organisation. All rights reserved.