Simple food combo may outperform omega-3 supplements for reducing inflammation

New study finds kefir paired with prebiotic fiber reduces inflammation more effectively than omega-3 supplements alone, offering gut health benefits. Health Simple food combo may outperform omega-3 supplements for reducing inflammation A six-week study found kefir and fiber lowered whole-body inflammation more than omega-3s alone By Kelly McGreal Fox News Published February 15, 2026 3:28pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Gut health specialist warns of link between acid reflux and cancer Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a gut health specialist in Naples, Florida, speaks with Fox News Digital about when acid reflux can lead to more dangerous medical conditions, and how to prevent damage. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A simple dietary pairing could offer broader immune benefits than omega-3s alone. Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that pairing kefir with a prebiotic fiber mix led to greater reductions in inflammation markers than omega-3 supplements or fiber alone.The findings, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, suggest that supporting gut bacteria may play an important role in immune and metabolic function. GUT IMBALANCE MAY BE DRIVING AMERICA’S FOOD ALLERGY EPIDEMIC, EXPERTS WARN Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt that contains live bacteria and yeast. Drinking kefir and taking fiber together may help lower inflammation more effectively than omega-3 supplements. (iStock) When kefir was combined with prebiotic fiber, researchers observed a stronger effect. Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy bacteria in the gut, helping them grow and function more effectively, the study explained.As those beneficial bacteria thrive, they produce natural substances that help calm inflammation in the body. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERIn the six-week study, people who took the kefir-and-fiber combination showed the biggest drop in markers linked to whole-body inflammation. Those who took omega-3 supplements or fiber alone also improved, but not to the same degree, the study suggested. Over six weeks, those taking kefir and fiber saw the largest drop in inflammation markers, while omega-3 or fiber alone produced smaller reductions. (iStock) "Our study shows that while all three dietary approaches reduced inflammation, the synbiotic — combining fermented kefir with a diverse prebiotic fiber mix — had the most powerful and wide-ranging effects," said Amrita Vijay, a gut microbiome scientist who led the research.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESThe researchers measured systemic inflammatory markers, which indicate inflammation occurring throughout the body. Inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic, low-level inflammation that persists over time has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and metabolic conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic. Throughout the study, researchers monitored blood markers to track changes in whole-body inflammation. (iStock)The findings suggest that combining probiotics and prebiotics may provide broader support than relying on a single supplement.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "This suggests that the interaction between gut microbes and dietary fiber may be key to supporting immune balance and metabolic health," Vijay said. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPThe team plans to further investigate how synbiotic supplementation may affect individuals with chronic inflammatory disorders. Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Related Topics HealthDigestive HealthNutritionFoodVitamins and Supplements Fox News Health Stay up-to-date on the biggest health and wellness news with our weekly recap. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!