Milk compared to soy beverage on gut health in people following Canada’s Food Guide

Project Overview 

Bacteria in our guts play a powerful role in health, especially in people with obesity or metabolic issues. While Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes plant-based proteins like soy, there’s growing evidence that dairy products—especially fermented ones—may better support gut health. This study will test whether milk and fermented dairy lead to better gut outcomes than soy beverages in adults with abdominal obesity. Participants will follow specially designed diets and researchers will monitor changes in gut bacteria, inflammation, and digestive function. The results will help determine how dairy fits within Canada's evolving dietary recommendations. 

What Will the Research Team Do? 

The research team will test how milk, fermented milk, and soy beverages affect gut health when included in a diet based on Canada's Food Guide. The primary objectives of this work are to: 

• Compare how dairy and soy influence gut bacteria in people with abdominal obesity. 
• Measure effects on gut health markers like inflammation and intestinal barrier function. 
• Determine whether fermented dairy products offer unique benefits compared to soy beverages