1. The Yogurt and Gut Health Study Principal Investigator: Robert Ward, PhD Bioactive Yogurt Formulation for Improving Markers of Metabolic Syndrome

2. METABOLIC SYNDROME IS BEST DESCRIBED AS a collection of risk factors that increases the likelihood that a person will develop heart disease, diabetes and even stroke

3. High blood pressure High blood sugar Unhealthy cholesterol levels Abdominal fat RISK FACTORS TYPICALLY INCLUDE

4. METABOLIC SYNDROME Is fairly common (20-30% of the population) Tends to run in families

5. The Role of Diet in Metabolic Syndrome Research in mice and humans has shown that the typical Western Diet (high fat and refined carbohydrates) increases the likelihood of gut inflammation

6. GUT INFLAMMATION It is believed that this inflammation alters the gut wall in a way that causes it to be more permeable, allowing toxins to cross over the gut barrier where they are absorbed into the bloodstream

7. GUT INFLAMMATION The circulating toxins lead to an overall inflammatory response in our bodies which can be measured by special blood tests

8. This low-grade inflammation is believed to increase the likelihood that a person may develop type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions possibly associated with Metabolic Syndrome

9. PURPOSE OF THE YOGURT and GUT HEALTH STUDY The purpose of this research study is to see if a specially formulated yogurt will affect the gut barrier in a way that: Reduces gut leakiness Prevents an increase in inflammatory factors in the blood

10. This is NOT a weight loss study. You will asked to to maintain your weight throughout the study.

11. Have a BMI between 30 and 34 (calculate your BMI by clicking HERE)HERE Have blood laboratory values associated with metabolic syndrome (we will test) Provide samples for study (blood, urine, stool) Can visit our clinic weekly to pick up yogurt/pudding product and have blood pressure and weight monitored Compensation up to $300 for travel time and inconvenience will be provided Are a male or female between the ages of 18 – 60 Have a waist circumference of > 40” for males; > 35” for women Regularly consume 1-3 servings of dairy daily Willing to consume a yogurt or pudding test product twice daily for 12 weeks DO YOU QUALIFY? You may qualify for this research study if you:

12. QUESTIONS? If you are interested in seeing if you qualify, please fill out our screening questionnaire by clicking here. You may email or call us with questions. Janet Bergeson: 435-797-8262 Nancie Hergert: 435-797-3629 yogurtandguthealth@gmail.com