1.
Daily supplementation with the Lab4P probiotic consortium induces significant weight loss in overweight adults.
Michael, DR, Davies, TS, Jack, AA, Masetti, G, Marchesi, JR, Wang, D, Mullish, BH, Plummer, SF
Scientific reports. 2021;(1):5
Abstract
This 9-month randomised, parallel, double-blind, single-centre, placebo-controlled study (PROBE, ISRCTN18030882) assessed the impact of probiotic supplementation on bodyweight. Seventy overweight Bulgarian participants aged 45-65 years with BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2 received a daily dose of the Lab4P probiotic comprising lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (50 billion cfu/day). Participants maintained their normal diet and lifestyle over the duration of the study. The primary outcome was change from baseline in body weight and secondary outcomes included changes in waist circumference, hip circumference and blood pressure. A significant between group decrease in body weight (3.16 kg, 95% CI 3.94, 2.38, p < 0.0001) was detected favouring the probiotic group. Supplementation also resulted in significant between group decreases in waist circumference (2.58 cm, 95% CI 3.23, 1.94, p < 0.0001) and hip circumference (2.66 cm, 95% CI 3.28, 2.05, p < 0.0001) but no changes in blood pressure were observed. These findings support the outcomes of a previous shorter-term Lab4P intervention study in overweight and obese participants (PROMAGEN, ISRCTN12562026). We conclude that Lab4P has consistent weight modulation capability in free-living overweight adults.
2.
Prevotella diversity, niches and interactions with the human host.
Tett, A, Pasolli, E, Masetti, G, Ercolini, D, Segata, N
Nature reviews. Microbiology. 2021;(9):585-599
Abstract
The genus Prevotella includes more than 50 characterized species that occur in varied natural habitats, although most Prevotella spp. are associated with humans. In the human microbiome, Prevotella spp. are highly abundant in various body sites, where they are key players in the balance between health and disease. Host factors related to diet, lifestyle and geography are fundamental in affecting the diversity and prevalence of Prevotella species and strains in the human microbiome. These factors, along with the ecological relationship of Prevotella with other members of the microbiome, likely determine the extent of the contribution of Prevotella to human metabolism and health. Here we review the diversity, prevalence and potential connection of Prevotella spp. in the human host, highlighting how genomic methods and analysis have improved and should further help in framing their ecological role. We also provide suggestions for future research to improve understanding of the possible functions of Prevotella spp. and the effects of the Western lifestyle and diet on the host-Prevotella symbiotic relationship in the context of maintaining human health.
3.
Probiotics reduce self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in overweight and obese adults: should we be considering probiotics during viral pandemics?
Mullish, BH, Marchesi, JR, McDonald, JAK, Pass, DA, Masetti, G, Michael, DR, Plummer, S, Jack, AA, Davies, TS, Hughes, TR, et al
Gut microbes. 2021;(1):1-9
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Abstract
Gut microbiome manipulation to alter the gut-lung axis may potentially protect humans against respiratory infections, and clinical trials of probiotics show promise in this regard in healthy adults and children. However, comparable studies are lacking in overweight/obese people, who have increased risks in particular of viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). This Addendum further analyses our recent placebo-controlled trial of probiotics in overweight/obese people (focused initially on weight loss) to investigate the impact of probiotics upon the occurrence of URTI symptoms. As well as undergoing loss of weight and improvement in certain metabolic parameters, study participants taking probiotics experienced a 27% reduction in URTI symptoms versus control, with those ≥45 years or BMI ≥30 kg/m2 experiencing greater reductions. This symptom reduction is apparent within 2 weeks of probiotic use. Gut microbiome diversity remained stable throughout the study in probiotic-treated participants. Our data provide support for further trials to assess the potential role of probiotics in preventing viral URTI (and possibly also COVID-19), particularly in overweight/obese people.
4.
A randomised controlled study shows supplementation of overweight and obese adults with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces bodyweight and improves well-being.
Michael, DR, Jack, AA, Masetti, G, Davies, TS, Loxley, KE, Kerry-Smith, J, Plummer, JF, Marchesi, JR, Mullish, BH, McDonald, JAK, et al
Scientific reports. 2020;(1):4183
Abstract
In an exploratory, block-randomised, parallel, double-blind, single-centre, placebo-controlled superiority study (ISRCTN12562026, funded by Cultech Ltd), 220 Bulgarian participants (30 to 65 years old) with BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2 received Lab4P probiotic (50 billion/day) or a matched placebo for 6 months. Participants maintained their normal diet and lifestyle. Primary outcomes were changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), blood pressure and plasma lipids. Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), the diversity of the faecal microbiota, quality of life (QoL) assessments and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Significant between group decreases in body weight (1.3 kg, p < 0.0001), BMI (0.045 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), WC (0.94 cm, p < 0.0001) and WtHR (0.006, p < 0.0001) were in favour of the probiotic. Stratification identified greater body weight reductions in overweight subjects (1.88%, p < 0.0001) and in females (1.62%, p = 0.0005). Greatest weight losses were among probiotic hypercholesterolaemic participants (-2.5%, p < 0.0001) alongside a significant between group reduction in small dense LDL-cholesterol (0.2 mmol/L, p = 0.0241). Improvements in QoL and the incidence rate ratio of URTI (0.60, p < 0.0001) were recorded for the probiotic group. No adverse events were recorded. Six months supplementation with Lab4P probiotic resulted in significant weight reduction and improved small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) profiles, QoL and URTI incidence outcomes in overweight/obese individuals.