Eating Probiotic-Enriched Yogurt Linked With Decreased Body Fat

Eating probiotic-rich yogurt every day could potentially reduce body fat levels by up to 4% and improve metabolism in overweight adults.

Participants in the study included 28 healthy but overweight individuals who received one of three interventions every day for 43 days:

1. yogurt containing Lactobacillus amylovorus;

2. yogurt containing Lactobacillus fermentum;

3. plain yogurt with no additional probiotics.

At the conclusion of the study, the groups showed a 4%, 3% and 1% reduction in body fat mass, respectively.

Changes in the levels of the gut microflora Clostridial Cluster IV were also noted in the Lactobacillus amylovorus group. The researchers hypothesize that a decrease in Clostridial Cluster IV may facilitate fat loss.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Manitoba, McGill University, and Micropharma Limited in Canada. It was published online ahead of print on October 9, 2012, in the Journal of Functional Foods.

Probiotics are most commonly known for improving digestion and gut health, but they have also been linked to other health benefits including a stronger immune system and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

Probiotics can be found naturally in many foods, such as yogurt, milk and sauerkraut. You may also consider taking a high quality supplement but make sure it is packaged to block light, air and moisture which can easily kill probiotics.