The Impact of Daily Intake of Short-chain Fatty Acids on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Individuals at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria: * male and female participants * central obesity ( BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² or waist circumference ≥ 80 cm for women/ ≥ 94 cm for men) * One additional risk factor for metabolic syndrome: 1. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥ 1.7 or fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl) 2. Triglyceride concentration ≥ 150 mg/dl 3. HDL-cholesterol \< 40 mg/dl for women/ \< 50 mg/dl for men 4. Systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg * knowledge of English Exclusion Criteria: * gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, IBS, celiac disease, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea * history of abdominal surgery, except for appendectomy * Use of antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, glucose-regulating drugs and corticosteroids * Use of antibiotics 3 months prior to the start or during the study * Use of probiotics and prebiotics 2 weeks prior to the start of the study/ during the study * Being on weight loss, gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diet * Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant * Previous or current substance/ alcohol dependence or abuse * Hyper- or hypothyroidism * Allergy or intolerance to oat milk