Abstract
It has been demonstrated in previous literature that early-life antibiotic exposure may contribute to metabolic dysfunction related to the development of overweight and obesity later in life. More recent studies suggest an additional relationship between antibiotic exposure beyond early life and obesity, as well as insulin resistance. However, there are a limited number of studies reporting the effects of short-term antibiotic exposure on insulin resistance and other blood biomarkers. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of short-term antibiotic exposure on insulin resistance and other blood biomarkers. METHODS: This study is part of a larger ongoing investigation examining the effects of a synbiotic on the gut microbiome in adults with overweight and obesity (BMI: 25.0-40.0 kg/m²). Prior to starting the synbiotic supplement, participants underwent a short antibiotic cycle (3 days) with a therapeutic dose of vancomycin (500 mg taken every eight hours). At the first visit, before taking the antibiotic, participants came to the lab for a 12-hour fasted blood sample. Within 12–24 hours of completing the 3-day antibiotic regimen, participants returned to the lab for an additional 12-hour fasted blood sample. The pre- and post-antibiotic blood samples were sent to an offsite laboratory for the analysis of blood glucose, insulin, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) concentrations. RESULTS: A two-tailed Student’s t-test was conducted to determine differences in blood biomarkers before and after the short antibiotic cycle. No significant differences were observed in blood glucose or HbA1C concentrations. However, blood insulin concentrations significantly increased by 1.3 μU/mL (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The significant acute increase in blood insulin concentration is consistent with our understanding of the effects of chronic antibiotic use. A decrease in insulin sensitivity leads to increased circulating insulin concentrations. Relating these results to the larger study, the use of an antibiotic may help clear the gut of harmful bacteria in individuals preparing to take a synbiotic supplement for gut health. However, this benefit may come at the cost of increased blood insulin concentrations. Further results from the larger study will be needed to assess the potential benefits of synbiotic consumption following a short course of antibiotic use.
Recommended Citation
George, Anne; Fernandez Alonso, Melissa; Dooley, Ashlyn; Loritz, Matthew; Mrosla, Jessica; Landis, Olivia; Harnen, Katelyn; Aiwonegbe, Genevieve; Duncan, Meggan; Berry, Angela; Hooper, Jaidyn; Mckinley-Barnard, Sarah; Marroquine, Elisa; and Porter, Ryan R.
(2025)
"The Effect of a Short-Term Antibiotic Cycle on Blood Biomarkers in Adults with Overweight and Obesity,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 189.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/189
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
