2 Probiotic Strains May Help With Weight Management

Many weight management strategies emphasize diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, and selected supplements.. A new study suggests that supplementation with two strains of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus may provide weight management benefits. 

Researchers from Inje University College of Medicine recruited 92 overweight or obese adults with a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 31.9 kg/m2 to part in the study. They were given 500 mg of a supplement containing 2.5 billion CFUs of the probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4231 and 2.5 billion CFUs of the probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4244 or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. 

Participants were advised to reduce calorie intake by 500 calories daily and to burn 300 calories daily via exercise. BMI, body weight, and body fat mass were measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12. 

The probiotic group saw significant reductions in BMI and body weight compared to the placebo group. Body fat mass was also significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. 

The study was published online ahead of print on August 30, 2022 in the journal Nutrients. 

In a previous study, yerba santa extract was found to help with weight management.