Positive Effect of Fermented Camel Milk on Liver Enzymes of Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double Blind, Randomized, Cross-over Trial

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has several health consequences. Liver enzymes elevation is among them. AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of fermented Camel milk (FCM), as a functional food and dairy, on some features of MetS in adolescents including liver enzymes status, serum lipids and anthropometric measures. METHODS: Overweight/obese adolescents with MetS were randomly assigned to FCM 250 cc per day for 8 weeks, a 4-week washout, and then to diluted Cow’s yogurt (DCY) 250 cc per day for 8 weeks, or the reverse sequence. Anthropometric measures, liver enzymes and serum lipids were measured just before and after each one of the four periods. A three-day food record and physical activity questionnaire were completed before each period. Statistical analyses were done using Minitab and SPSS soft-wares considering the significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants with a mean age (SD) of 13.77 (1.87) years (range: 10.45-16.25) (58% girls) completed the study. It resulted significant mean reduction of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (-3.75 U/L [95% CI: -7.06; -0.43]; p=0.042) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (-2.54 U/L [95% CI: -3.33; -2.24], and p=0.006) and AST/ALT ratio (-0.16 U/L [95% CI: -0.28; -0.05]; p= 0.029) by FCM consumption in comparison to DCY. Non-significant favorable effects on anthropometric measures and serum lipids were seen as well. CONCLUSION: According to the observed favorable effects of fermented camel milk on liver enzymes, its consumption may be considered as a functional food supplement in related circumstances.