Supplements of 'Good Bacteria' Can Enhance Weight Loss in Dieters

Scientists have found the live microorganisms that boost 'good bacteria' in the stomach can enhance weight loss.

Probiotics. Photo: NIH/ThinkstockPhotos

They studied a group of overweight children taking supplements. All of them were also given an exercise regime and diet plan. Results showed youngsters using probiotics lost a 'significantly' higher number of pounds compared to those who didn't. It's the latest of a swathe of evidence suggesting the gut microbiome could play a powerful role in weight regulation.

The research, carried out by Fuzhou Children's Hospital in China, involved 54 obese children between six and 14 years old. Researchers, led by Professor Rui-Min Chen, analysed various measurements of the children's weight and metabolic health.

Those who had been treated with probiotic supplements lost significantly more weight – but the authors did not quantify how much.

The children in the probiotics group also had better metabolic health, measured by level of inflammatory proteins and blood glucose levels. This may also prevent the children from developing obesity related disorders in the future, such as type two diabetes and heart disease.

Probiotics can boost the diversity of gut bacteria, keeping the digestive system working efficiently.

The children in the study took probiotic capsule that contained different strains of live bacteria, each of which have been found to have some positive benefits in research. This includes Lactobacillus bulgaricus, found in yoghurts and fermented food.

The Lactobacillus family has been shown to slash belly fat as well as reduce the number of calories taken from food. (Tasnim News Agency)

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