Effects of Kimchi Supplementation on Gut Microbiota, DNA Methylation and Serum Proteomes

The subjects will be divided into 2 groups: healthy control and intervention. The intervention group was divided into 3 subgroups: the fermented vegetable (kimchi) group, the kimchi supplemented with polyphenol (Vitexin) group, or the kimchi supplemented with probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) group. The intervention group will be instructed to consume 1 pack of kimchi per day (50 g/pack) with lunch for 2 months. During the study, participants will be strongly encouraged to avoid consuming prebiotics or probiotic supplements, as well as foods such as yogurt, sour milk, fermented vegetables, and fermented fruits, especially 2 weeks before the blood and fecal examination. Compliance will be assessed by monitoring product side effects through follow-up phone calls every week to check on participants' symptoms and assessing the number of sachets or packs they actually consume.