Probiotics May Help Support Blood Sugar in Obese Children

Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and increasing levels of childhood obesity have led to a dramatic increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents. A recent study suggests that supplementation with 2 probiotic strains may be beneficial for inulin sensitivity in children.

Participants in the study included 101 children between the ages of 6 and 18. All were obese and had insulin resistance. They were given 2 billion CFUs of the probiotic strains Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B. breveB632 or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. They also received dietary and physical activity recommendations. They switched interventions after a 4-week washout period.

The researchers evaluated lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity, and body weight at baseline and at the end of each intervention period.

All participants lost weight and had improved metabolic parameters. During probiotic supplementation, participants had improved insulin sensitivity during fasting and during the oral glucose tolerance test. Improved insulin sensitivity indicates decreased insulin resistance

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Piemonte Orientale. It was published online ahead of print on June 10, 2021, in the journal Clinical Nutrition.