References in Scientific Research
A comprehensive list of sources supporting the findings and insights in this study
Consuming probiotics can be done through either fermented foods or supplements, they are live microorganisms1
Studies are increasingly revealing the correlation between gut bacteria balance and general health/disease. Probiotics sustain a desirable balance of gut bacteria and have connections to various health benefits, such as weight loss, digestive health, immune system improvement, etc.2, 3
Probiotics are recognized for effectively preventing or lessening diarrhea severity. Antibiotics often cause diarrhea, as they disrupt the balance of gut bacteria between the good and bad. 4
Studies suggest a reduced risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea with probiotic use. 5
Probiotics can also help with other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics. Probiotics are also helpful against diarrhea types unrelated to antibiotics. A 35 study review discovered certain probiotic strains reduce diarrhea duration by approximately 25 hours on average. 6
Specific strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotics have shown improvement of symptoms in those with mild ulcerative colitis.7
Despite this, probiotics have potential benefits for other intestinal disorders. Early studies indicate they may assist with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.8
Probiotics potentially aid weight loss by multiple mechanisms. 9
For instance, some probiotics hinder the absorption of dietary fat in the gut, leading to excretion of fat via feces instead of storage in the body. 10
Probiotics lower hunger hormone
Specifically, during phase 1, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (Table 2; changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·8 (se 0·8) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·23 (se 0·66) kg; P= 0·06; values are corrected for the baseline values). Similarly, at the end of phase 2, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·6 (se 1·1) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·54 (se 1·01) kg; P= 0·01; values are corrected for the baseline values).
Lower body weight
Specifically, during phase 1, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (Table 2; changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·8 (se 0·8) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·23 (se 0·66) kg; P= 0·06; values are corrected for the baseline values). Similarly, at the end of phase 2, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·6 (se 1·1) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·54 (se 1·01) kg; P= 0·01; values are corrected for the baseline values).
Lower fat mass
Specifically, during phase 1, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (Table 2; changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·8 (se 0·8) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 1·23 (se 0·66) kg; P= 0·06; values are corrected for the baseline values). Similarly, at the end of phase 2, reductions in body weight and fat mass were more pronounced in the LPR-treated women than in the placebo-treated women (changes in body weight compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·6 (se 1·1) kg; P= 0·02; changes in fat mass compared with those observed with the placebo treatment: − 2·54 (se 1·01) kg; P= 0·01; values are corrected for the baseline values).
Abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat areas
In the active FM group, abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat areas significantly (P<0.01) decreased from baseline by an average of 4.6% (mean (confidence interval): -5.8 (-10.0, -1.7) cm(2)) and 3.3% (-7.4 (-11.6, -3.1) cm(2)), respectively. Body weight and other measures also decreased significantly (P<0.001) as follows: body weight, 1.4% (-1.1 (-1.5, -0.7) kg); BMI, 1.5% (-0.4 (-0.5, -0.2) kg/m(2)); waist, 1.8% (-1.7 (-2.1, -1.4) cm); hip, 1.5% (-1.5 (-1.8, -1.1) cm). In the control group, by contrast, none of these parameters decreased significantly.
A study found that synbiotic supplementation boosted the presence of gut bacteria linked to positive health outcomes, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. It also seemed to enhance gut microbiota diversity and raise the abundance of potentially beneficial microbial species. 11
Probiotic Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacteria are Y-shaped bacteria present in the intestines and crucial for health. Nearly 50 species of these beneficial bacteria have been identified, each believed to have distinct functions and health advantages. 12
Despite their vital role in the body, Bifidobacteria usually constitute less than 10% of the adult gut microbiome bacteria.13
A primary role of this type of bacteria in humans is to break down fiber and other complex carbs that the body can’t digest alone14
Fiber has been shown to lower weight gain and the risk of chronic disorders such as diabetes and heart disease. Bifidobacteria may lower these disease risks by digesting fiber. 15, 16
This is due to these beneficial bacteria producing important chemicals known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) upon digesting fiber. These compounds perform several critical functions for gut health and may also regulate appetite. 17, 18
Bifidobacteria also aid in the production of other important chemicals, including B vitamins and healthy fatty acids19, 20
As these bacteria are vital for health, they’re frequently utilized as probiotics in food or supplements. Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer a particular health advantage when consumed.
Several illnesses are linked with low levels of Bifidobacteria in the gut. For instance, research indicates that those with celiac disease, obesity, diabetes, allergic asthma and dermatitis have lower levels of Bifidobacteria compared to healthy individuals.21, 22, 23
Studies have explored the potential of probiotic Bifidobacteria supplements to increase their presence in the gut and alleviate symptoms of diseases, including IBS. A four-week study of 362 individuals found a significant improvement in IBS symptoms with a Bifidobacteria probiotic.24
Studies also show that Bifidobacteria probiotics can lower inflammation in individuals with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and psoriasis.25, 26
Studies have shown that taking a Bifidobacteria probiotic may result in reduced BMI and blood cholesterol in people with metabolic syndrome, after a 45-day period.27
Studies have found similar cholesterol-lowering effects. 28
Studies have shown that probiotics may benefit people with depression. One study found that taking a Bifidobacteria probiotic for 44 people with IBS and mild-to-moderate depression improved their depression scores compared to those who took a placebo29
Prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS)
Prebiotics are a type of nutritive fiber from natural sources that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They’re often found in supplements along with probiotics, but can also be used alone as a supplement due to their growing popularity in the dietary supplement industry. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), made of xylose sugar polymers, are prebiotics with multiple health benefits.
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Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), prebiotics made of xylose sugar, selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli and have been shown to effectively increase Bifidobacteria populations. 30
Xylooligosaccharides are a potent form of prebiotics, made up of xylose sugar units found in various natural sources like fruits, vegetables, milk, honey and bamboo shoots. These prebiotics effectively boost beneficial bacteria at lower doses,33 reducing the likelihood of symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain caused by bacterial fermentation and gas production.
Xylooligosaccharides can effectively boost probiotics at lower doses, avoiding the unwanted side effects commonly seen with other prebiotics. This can lead to better compliance and a sustained food source for beneficial gut bacteria34
A study of 32 healthy adults found that xylooligosaccharides were effective in increasing Bifidobacterium levels without causing negative side effects. Participants were given either a placebo, 1.4g or 2.8g of XOS for 8 weeks and the results showed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium in the group that received XOS.35
Xylooligosaccharides have a unique advantage: their selectivity for promoting Bifidobacteria growth. This was demonstrated in a study using human fecal samples and five different prebiotic fibers in vitro, showing that increasing Bifidobacteria was linked to improved health, including reduced levels of inflammation-causing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the blood.36
Xylooligosaccharides may help improve body composition as a shortage of Bifidobacteria has been linked to obesity and weight gain37
Xylooligosaccharides may help improve body composition as a shortage of Bifidobacteria has been linked to obesity and weight gain38, XOS intake led to significant increases in villus height, villus-to-crypt depth ratio, and relative length of the jejunum, as well as higher levels of acetic acid and butyrate (a SCFA), which acidify the colon and fuel colonocytes. These changes are crucial for optimizing cellular processes in the microbiome., 39
Postbiotic - Trybutyrin
Tributyrin offers a better way to support gut health. Unlike regular sodium butyrate, tributyrin can bypass the stomach and deliver butyrate to both the small intestine and colon without significant loss. It ensures the delivery of butyrate to the colon, maximizing the benefits of postbiotic butyrate for optimal gut health.
- Improved immune health
- Better skin, brain, heart and muscle health
- Enhanced digestion and regularity
- Increased nutrient absorption
- Potential weight management support.
Tributyrin is a type of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that is produced when gut bacteria break down fiber in the colon. Butyrate is a key player in digestive health, as it serves as the primary energy source for colon cells and also offers numerous health benefits. It has amazing effects on the body, including supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing diseases like cancer.
Butyrate is believed to offer numerous benefits for gut health, but further research is required to fully understand its effects and potential other benefits. Some possible benefits of butyrate include promoting weight loss, regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing intestinal function, and reducing the risk or treating diseases.44
Research has indicated that butyrate supplementation may decrease inflammation, reducing the impact of pathogenic bacteria and potentially reducing the risk of sepsis. Low levels of butyrate have been linked to increased risk of inflammatory intestinal diseases and colorectal cancer.45
Butyrate strengthens the gut lining, preventing the intrusion of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms into the bloodstream. Sodium butyrate supplements have been shown to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as IBS, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease. A study with 66 IBS patients who took daily doses of sodium butyrate reported reduced abdominal pain. Another study found that 9 out of 13 individuals with Crohn’s disease experienced improvement in symptoms after taking butyric acid for 8 weeks.46
Type 2 diabetes sufferers frequently face insulin resistance and obesity. Butyrate’s ability to produce gut hormones that manage blood sugar levels may lead to improvement in these symptoms. A study suggested a possible correlation between butyrate production and decreased insulin resistance.47
