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

Summary: Can synbiotics offset pollution-related oxidative stress? A child study found lower MDA within the treatment group, but no clear unadjusted advantage over omega-3. #AirPollution #Nutrition

Kelishadi R ; Zarean M ; Maghzi A ; Yazdi M ; Poursafa P ; Heidari Beni M
Source: International Journal of Preventive Medicine Published:2026

Abstract

Background: – Exposure to air pollution has been linked to elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of oxidative stress, while synbiotics—by modulating the intestinal microbiota—may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite these possibilities, evidence on the effect of synbiotic supplementation in mitigating oxidative stress caused by air pollution in pediatric populations remains limited. Methods: – This single-blind randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of synbiotic supplementation on MDA levels among 70 healthy children and adolescents aged 10–18 years exposed to air pollution. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either synbiotics (n = 38) or omega-3 (n = 32) for 8 weeks. MDA levels were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: – A significant reduction in MDA levels was observed within the synbiotic group (from 148.80 ± 80.72 to 51.54 ± 82.94, P< 0.001), although no significant difference was noted between the synbiotic and omega-3 groups (P = 0.75); however, after adjusting for confounding variables, synbiotic supplementation was significantly associated with MDA reduction. Conclusions: – These findings suggest that synbiotics may help counteract oxidative stress induced by air pollution in children and adolescents, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies to explore their potential protective role in pediatric environmental health. © 2026 International Journal of Preventive Medicine