Effects of fermented oyster extract supplementation on free fatty acid and liver enzymes in older women with obesity

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week intake of fermented oyster extract on free fatty acids and liver enzymes in older women with obesity and to provide basic data for improving liver function in older individuals with obesity. [Methods] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to confirm the effects of fermented oyster extract intake on free fatty acid (FFA) levels and liver function in older women with obesity. The study included 40 older women with obesity with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. Participants were divided into a fermented oyster intake group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Serum FFA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were measured at weeks 0 and 12. [Results] Our results showed an interaction effect between the two groups in terms of serum FFA levels (p<0.05), with a post-intervention decrease in the FSO group (p<0.05). AST, ALT, and GGT levels also showed an interaction effect between the two groups (p<0.05), with a significant postintervention decrease in the FSO group (p<0.05). [Conclusion] The intake of fermented oyster extract significantly reduced FFA, ALT, AST, and GGT levels. These results suggested that the consumption of fermented oyster extract may improve liver function. However, the findings of this study were limited to elderly women with obesity, and the relatively short intake period and small sample size may limit the generalization of the results.