Improving Health Outcomes with Kefir: A Human Clinical Study

University of Alberta

About the KEFIR-IM Study

Our study aims to investigate the health benefits of traditional kefir, a fermented dairy drink, especially in metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Unlike commercial kefir, traditional kefir with a mix of bacteria and yeast appears more beneficial to improve health. Our pilot trial in humans showed promising results on cardiovascular risk factors, leading us to explore further in people with high blood glucose or having diabetes.

We want to see if traditional kefir improves vascular health and immune outcomes in both females and males over a 12 weeks period.

Join the Kefir-IM Study at the University of Alberta! Participation is voluntary.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you:

Are 24-70 years old
Have normal or higher blood sugar levels* or are living with Type 2 Diabetes

*Not sure about your blood sugar? We can test it for you.

Check eligibility ↓

Click to take the survey
https://redcap.link/fds5if5c

Or scan the QR code

Image by chandlervid85 on Freepik

What participation looks like

The study lasts 12 weeks and involves 15 visits to our research site in Edmonton. Where you will be randomly assigned to receive either:

Our traditional kefir, or
A placebo drink (neither you nor the research team will know which one you're getting during the study)

Each week, you'll pick up the designated drink and return any leftovers.

At 6 weeks and 12, you'll come to our research unit to have health measurements and a blood collection done.

What we collect?

Questionnaires about the fermented foods you eat
Body measurements: height, weight, body circumferences, and body composition
Blood pressure
Blood samples: to look at glucose, heart health markers, inflammation markers, and immune cells
Stool samples: to learn about gut health

Compensation

As a token of appreciation for your time you will receive a:

$75 gift card at week 6
$75 gift card at week 12 (after finishing the study)

We also cover the cost of parking or public transit for all your visits.

Ethics Approval and Funding

This study has been approved by a University of Alberta Research Ethics Board (Pro00139307) and by Health Canada.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06695221
Funding: Weston Family Foundation

Location

University of Alberta (North Campus)

Located at the Human Nutrition Research Unit on the 2nd floor of Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Innovation.
2-004 8602 112 Street, University of Alberta. Edmonton, AB,T6G 2E1