Does probiotics help you lose weight?  This is still up for debate.  While probiotics most definitely promote a healthy lifestyle, there is some question as to whether or not they help you lose weight.  We will be discussing evidence supporting weight loss is in the early stages; therefore, you should take this into consideration before taking probiotics for weight loss.

What are Probiotics?

Did you know that some bacteria are actually good for you?  This may seem strange since we take antibiotics and use antibacterial substances to actually fight bacteria.  However, our digestive system contains more than 500 different types of bacteria.  The “good bacteria” actually help in breaking down food and keeping your intestinal linings healthy.   They also help to regulate a healthy immune response. 

The “good bacteria” in your intestines can become disturbed after an infection or after taking antibiotics.  Probiotics are microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast.  They come in the form of supplements or foods.  According to Stefano Guandalini, MD, professor of pediatrics and gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Medical Center, “Probiotics can improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines.”

Probiotics and Health

Aside from the possible benefit of probiotics for weight loss, they can also help with the following health issues:

• prevention of acute childhood diarrhea
• prevention of diarrhea due to antibiotics, infection, and food poisoning
• prevention of pouchitis (intestinal inflammation from serious intestinal surgery)
• easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
• prevention and treatment of eczema (associated with cow’s milk allergy)
• regulation of immune response
• treatment of urinary tract infections
• prevention or treatment of yeast infections
• prevention of inflammatory bowel disease
• reduction of risk for return of bladder cancer
• protection against colon cancer

According to Amy C. Brown, PhD, RD, associate professor in the department of complementary and alternative medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, “A balanced or ‘normal’ (digestive) flora may competitively exclude possible (harmful) organisms, stimulate the intestinal immune system, and produce nutrients and other (beneficial) substances.” 

Probiotics for Weight Loss – The Evidence

There is no question that good bacteria can be beneficial for health, but does probiotics help you lose weight?  Evidence seems to be leaning towards the fact that this can happen, although research remains in the preliminary stages.  Let’s look at some of the evidence:

In a Japanese study published in 2010, a study was conducted that resulted in a reduction of 4.6% abdominal fat and 3.3% subcutaneous fat.  87 overweight participants were given a daily dose of fermented milk for a 12 week period.  Some of the participants received fermented milk that contained probiotics, while others received milk that did not contain them.  The group that contained Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 showed a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and waist and hips circumference. 

In an animal Ireland December 2010 study, researchers found that another Lactobacillus genus affected fat composition of the host.  The researchers associated with this study actually engineered a specific strain of Lactobacillus in order to produce the fatty acid, t10, c12 CLA.  In this study, mice were fed this probiotic and the results indicated significant alterations to fat tissues.  This particular molecule (t10, c12 CLA) has been associated with decreased body fat in humans and other animals. 

These studies are sparse and preliminary.  Firm conclusions have yet to be made for the role of probiotics for weight loss.  Researchers are not giving up as obesity has become an overwhelming reality, especially childhood obesity.

Natural Sources

You can purchase good bacteria in supplement form; however, it is recommended that you try to add them in through your diet.  Here are a few food sources:

• Miso Soup (made from fermented soybean paste)
• Natto (fermented soy beans)
• Yogurt
• Aged Cheese
• Beer (microbrews)
• Cottage Cheese (check for bacterial strains)
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles (brine-cured, no vinegar)
• Pickled Ginger
• Wine

These are just a few places. Look online for more foods containing probiotics.

Bottom Line

Should you take probiotics for weight loss?  With all of the other health benefits associated with this “good bacteria” it may be something to include in your daily diet.  However, it is important to understand that while it is beneficial to your health, there is still some question on whether they are going to help you lose weight.  Research is still being done, so keep your eye out for further information on probiotics for weight loss.

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