Probiotics help trim central adipose tissues

Probiotics appear to help individuals who are trying to lose weight by reducing central adiposity, suggests a study. Specifically, single Lactobacillus-based probiotics lower visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), while Bifodobacterium-based probiotics decrease VAT.

A team of investigators searched the databases of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Lilacs for studies that examined the effect of probiotics on VAT and SAT. They calculated the pooled difference in means (DM) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed effects.

Fourteen publications, including a total of 1,523 participants, met the eligibility criteria. Overall, a significant decrease in VAT was observed (DM, ‒3.63 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒5.08 to ‒2.17; p<0.001).

When stratifying according to probiotic type, single Bifidobacterium (DM, ‒4.49 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒7.37 to ‒1.61; p=0.002) and single Lactobacillus probiotics (DM, ‒3.84 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒5.74 to ‒1.93; p<0.001) were associated with significant reductions in central adiposity. Mixed probiotics, however, showed no effect.

For SAT, a significant decrease was also seen (DM, ‒2.91 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒4.82 to ‒1.01; p=0.003). When stratifying by probiotic type, single Lactobacillus (DM, ‒3.39 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒5.90 to ‒0.88; p=0.008) and mixed probiotics (DM, ‒5.97 cm², 95 percent CI, ‒10.32 to ‒1.62; p=0.007) gave rise to a significant reduction in adiposity. Single Bifidobacterium probiotics conferred no effect.

Finally, meta-regression revealed no significant association between total daily probiotics dose and reduction in VAT or SAT.

“Probiotics are shown to alter the microbiota, leading to a favorable environment, in which weight loss and metabolic parameters are improved,” the investigators said.