Does probiotic supplementation aid weight loss? A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study with Bifidobacterium lactis BS01 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA02 supplementation

Dominik Czajeczny,Karolina Kabzińska,Rafał Wojciech Wójciak

doi:10.1007/s40519-020-00983-8

Dominik Czajeczny, Karolina Kabzińska + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-020-00983-8

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Abstract

PurposeProbiotic supplements are gaining popularity worldwide. This trend is especially present in females, and a common motivation for consumption is weight loss, no matter the BMI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on weight loss in healthy, young adult females and to put claims made by manufacturers of such products to the test.MethodsThe study utilizes a randomized, single-blind, placebo-control design. 53 females aged 19–33 were enrolled, and 38 completed the trial. A 6 week supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis BS01 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA02 or placebo was conducted. Anthropometric measures (body mass, BMI, body fat percentage, arm skinfold fat, waist circumference, and WHR) were applied pre and post-treatment.ResultsNo significant changes in anthropometric measures were observed in both supplementation and placebo groups.ConclusionThe results of this investigation do not support claims made by probiotic products manufacturers, that they aid weight loss. Our results seem to support an argument that weight loss is mostly associated with food habits and dietary behaviors, not probiotic intake. It is possible that probiotic supplementation may play a facilitating weight loss but has no effect without dietary intervention. Another possible explanation is that due to strain specificity—bacteria strains used in this study are not effective for weight loss.Level of evidenceI: randomized controlled trial.

Highlights

A growing body of research shows links between probiotic bacteria residing in the gut and the functioning of the human organism
Data suggest that obese people have a lower diversity of intestinal bacteria compared to lean individuals and that probiotic supplementation might enrich gut microbiota composition, decrease gut permeability, inflammation, and serve as a protective factor from metabolic disorders, creating an environment which promotes weight loss [20]
An increase in the consumption of food supplements is observed, especially in females. This trend is present in all age groups, and a common motivation for using such products is aiding weight loss—including body mass, body fat content, and body size decrease

Summary

Introduction

A growing body of research shows links between probiotic bacteria residing in the gut and the functioning of the human organism. Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity (2021) 26:1719–1727 immune response [18, 19]. The mechanisms of these influences are not clearly established, and research paradigms are constantly developing. Data suggest that obese people have a lower diversity of intestinal bacteria compared to lean individuals and that probiotic supplementation might enrich gut microbiota composition, decrease gut permeability, inflammation, and serve as a protective factor from metabolic disorders, creating an environment which promotes weight loss [20]

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