Adding probiotics to your diet may help with weight loss.

In recent years, the number of articles clamoring about the benefits of probiotics for digestive health has exploded.  I am a huge fan of probiotics.  I have taken them a number of years to assist with bloating, gas, and intermittent bouts of constipation and diarrhea.  I am very intolerant to corn products without adding probiotics to my diet.  There are plenty of studies that show a positive effect on the gastrointestinal flora,  Although a lot has been said about the connection between probiotics and gut health, we are just now beginning to learn how they may play a role in weight management.  It only makes sense that if you have the appropriate gut bacterial flora your digestion would be more efficient, but would it help assist with weight loss or maintenance.   

An interesting study, “Effect of probiotics on body weight and body-mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials”,  performed in China and published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition looked at this very question.   The study was a meta-analysis of 25 prior studies.  In the study, Chinese researchers discovered a connection between taking probiotics and losing weight and a reduced BMI.   In the study, probiotic consumption significantly reduced body weight by 0.59 Kg.  The best results seem to happen when you take more than a single strain of probiotic for more than two months.   

The bottom line:  Consuming probiotics appears to reduce body weight and BMI.  There is a  potentially greater effect when multiple species of probiotics were consumed, the duration of intervention was greater than 8 weeks, and the objects are overweight.  

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