Modulation of Endotoxaemia Via Curcumin Intake in Healthy Overweight Adults

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are a major burden on the Scottish population. Obesity and inflammation have strong links to these diseases. One of the mechanisms explaining the relationship between low-grade inflammation and excess weight is "endotoxaemia". We wish to study this phenomenon, when small components coming from our gut bacteria can pass into the bloodstream, raising the body's defences. Diet can modulate endotoxaemia. In this study, we propose to use curcumin, in a capsule form, to modulate endotoxaemia. Curcumin comes from turmeric, which is widely used as a spice. In this study, we want to test the effect of consuming curcumin extract to the composition of the gut microbiota, post-meal endotoxaemia, and inflammatory markers in blood.