Probiotics for diabetes and weight loss?

Probiotics for diabetes and weight loss? A new study finds that supplementing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria for six weeks lowered glucose and insulin and improved insulin resistance.

This study, carried out on women with gestational diabetes that can develop in pregnancy is yet more evidence of the widespread role bacteria play in determining our health. Triglycerides came down too. All of this qualifies probiotics as a support supplement for those with diabetes. Look for supplements that provide both Lactobacilllus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria.

In January I reported on a study which found that people metabolise food differently depending on their gut bacteria and this study confirms part of the reason why this could be so.

The first controlled study on a particular strain of lactobacillus bacteria reported a significant reduction in BMI and 4.6% reduction in abdominal fat after 12 weeks. Another study in 2014, published in the British Journal of Nutrition using Lactobacillus Rhamnosus reported small weight loss in women and none in men, compared to placebo, after 12 weeks.

The most recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the effect of giving a probiotic yoghurt with a standard low-fat yoghurt in 89 overweight women. The women were randomly assigned to either consume probiotic yoghurt daily or regular yoghurt, for twelve weeks. All were following the same calorie-controlled diet. There were no significant weight loss differences between the two groups.

To date I would not say there is anything compelling to recommend the use of probiotics for weight loss and certainly the evidence for their role in lowering glucose and improving insulin resistance is promising.

I’m going to be writing about the latest findings for probiotics in my next 100% Health Newsletter which you receive 6 times a year if you become a 100% Health Club member.

For the best in health products visit www.holfordirect.com.