The RAMP Study - Rejuvenation of the Aging Microbiota With Prebiotics

Exclusion Criteria

• •Body Mass Index \>= 40
• •LDL-C \> 190 mg/dL
• •Systolic Blood Pressure \>160 mmHg OR Diastolic Blood Pressure \> 90 mmHg
• •Use of any of the following drugs/supplements within the last 2 months:
• •* systemic antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals or antiparasitics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral);
• •* corticosteroids (intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal or inhaled)
• •* cytokines
• •* methotrexate or immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents
• •* metformin
• •* proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• •Regular use of any of the following medications:
• •* regular dose aspirin (\>81mg/day)
• •* opiate pain medication
• •Use of large doses of commercial probiotics consumed (greater than or equal to 10-8 cfu or organisms per day) - includes tablets, capsules, lozenges, chewing gum or powders in which probiotic is a primary component. Ordinary dietary components such as fermented beverages/milks, yogurts, foods do not apply.
• •Acute disease at the time of enrollment. Acute disease is defined as the presence of a moderate or severe illness with or without fever. Examples include flu or gastroenteritis. Defer sampling until subject recover.
• •Chronic, clinically significant, unstable (unresolved, requiring on-going changes to medical management or medication) pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic or renal functional abnormality, as determined by medical history. Type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and dialysis will be excluded.
• •History of active uncontrolled gastrointestinal disorders or diseases including:
• •* inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (mild-moderate-severe), Crohn's disease (mild-moderate-severe), or indeterminate colitis;
• •* irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (moderate-severe);
• •* persistent, infectious gastroenteritis, colitis or gastritis, persistent or chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology, Clostridium difficile infection (recurrent) or Helicobacter pylori infection (untreated).
• •History of active cancer in the past 3 years except for squamous or basal cell carcinomas of the skin that have been medically managed by local excision.
• •Unstable dietary history as defined by major changes in diet during the previous month, where the subject has eliminated or significantly increased a major food group in the diet.
• •Recent history of chronic excessive alcohol consumption defined as more than five 1.5-ounce servings of 80 proof distilled spirits, five 12-ounce servings of beer or five 5-ounce servings of wine per day; or \> 14 drinks/week.
• •Positive test for HIV, HBV or HCV.
• •Any confirmed or suspected condition/state of immunosuppression or immunodeficiency (primary or acquired) including HIV infection.
• •Surgery of the GI tract, with the exception of cholecystectomy and appendectomy, in the past five years. Any major bowel resection at any time.
• •Regular/frequent use of smoking or chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, cigars or other nicotine-containing products.
• •Any confirmed or suspected autoimmune disease. Examples include multiple sclerosis and Graves disease.
• •Veganism.
• •Dairy allergies.