Probiotics: Targeting obesity Azadeh Nadjarzadeh, PhD in Nutrition Nutrition and Food Security Research Centre, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran azadehnajarzadeh@gmail.com
Among other benefits, enthusiasts and supplement manufacturers claim probiotics and weight loss are closely linked but is it true? Gut bacteria live harmoniously in the body, forming a type of internal ecosystem. Together as a community, it s said these bacteria act like an extra organ.
As with all other organs and cells in the body, the gut bacteria is far from a static environment. It can be changed and manipulated by many factors diet and dietary components the main one
Fig. 1 Clinical Microbiology and Infection 2013 19, 305-313DOI: (10.1111/1469-0691.12172) Copyright 2013 European Society of Clinical Infectious Diseases Terms and Conditions
Altering the Intestinal Microbiota during a Critical Developmental Window Has Lasting Metabolic Consequences Cox et al. 2014
Of course it s hard to speculate from mouse to human
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the probiotic strains typically consumed by humans. BUT diverse species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium appear to have different effects on different people. Especially when it comes to weight gain and fat mass.
Lactobacillus gasseri SBT 2055 Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 and the combination of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53102 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 appear to reduce fat mass, body weight, and weight gain Mekkes et al. Benef Microbes. 2014 Mar;5(1):19-28
Another large review paper, which looked at 82 previously published probiotic studies, concluded that : specific strains of L. (Lactobacillus) gasseri and L. (Lactobacillus) plantarum used as food supplements presented an anti-obesity effect
Probiotic Supplementation Attenuates Increases in Body Mass and Fat Mass During High-Fat Diet in Healthy Young Adults (Osterberg et al. 2015) 20 participants (non-obese males aged 18-30) were given a strict high-calorie diet (an additional 1000 calories per day) for 4 weeks in order to make them gain fat. Participants were also randomized to receive either a probiotic supplement (VSL#3) or placebo (pretend supplement) daily to compare the effects. Probiotic supplementation appeared to provide some protection from body mass gain and fat mass gain
VSL#3 may have increased energy expenditure and whole body fat oxidation via GLP-1 secretion, increased angiopoietin-like protein-4 (inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase) (33), and/or increased sympathetic nervous system activity to white and brown adipose tissue
Small sample size Young, healthy, male participants Confounding factors such as physical activity the study was funded by the supplement manufacturer
From the weight of evidence currently available,lactobacillus gasseri appears to be the probiotic strain that can best assist weight loss in humans.
Ogawa et al. reported that Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 supplementation suppressed pancreatic lipase activity, promoted fecal fat excretion and reduced energy absorption.
Subjects consumed 100 g of fermented milk (FM)/d, either with or without LG2055 supplementation, for seven days. Fecal samples were collected during three-day pre-observational and FM intake periods and fecal fat levels were determined.
Effect of intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus gasseri on fecal fat excretion in humans
Conclusion Overall there is certainly a telling link between probiotics and weight loss, but much more research is needed. It seems the probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri may very well assist in weight loss if you already live a healthy lifestyle and cannot shed those stubborn final few kilos or pounds. Fermented foods are your best source, and it s safe to say we should all be consuming more of them.
But don t expect any miracles without a nutritious diet and regular exercise.