Can a Probiotic Help You with Weight Management?

Okay, so which probiotic do I take?

While it is true that there are many advantages of probiotics, it is also true that not all probiotics are created equal. There are a lot of options on the market. There’s also a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about what constitutes the ideal probiotic.

First, let’s look at some overall guidelines for choosing a probiotic supplement.

Are more live cells always better?

Many probiotic supplements on the market boast their multiple strain combinations, but often there is no evidence that these strains work well together.

In fact, it is well known among microbiologists that higher strain counts do not necessarily translate to higher efficacy. Many manufacturers use a higher number of organisms because their product lacks stability, both on the shelf and in the stomach.

Higher strain counts lose their significance when the bacteria are not viable, cannot survive well in stomach acid, or don’t colonize and replicate in the intestines.

The type of strain also matters; probiotic strains that normally live in the human GI tract have longer survival rates and are more likely to thrive in the human intestinal tract. On the other hand, bacteria derived from other sources, like dairy, are less likely to remain in the human intestinal tract and therefore provide only temporary benefit.

A refrigerated probiotic is better, right?

This is a common misconception. A probiotic is not better because it needs to be refrigerated. On the contrary, if your probiotic requires refrigeration, that is the first indication of its potential instability.

Lack of stability can quickly translate to lack of efficacy.

At Thorne, their probiotic formulas are tested to ensure that they deliver the number of organisms stated on the label, up to the date of expiration, not just at the time of manufacture. No refrigeration is required.

You will also see that their formulas utilise unique acid- and moisture-resistant capsules when appropriate to ensure the stability of the bacteria through the digestive tract.

Bonus? No refrigeration means great convenience for anyone with a busy lifestyle!

What can a probiotic do for weight management?

As discussed above, there are many advantages of probiotics. When it comes to weight management support specifically, choosing one with the right strains is key.

Lactobacillus gasseri, is one of two bacterial species with both human and animal data that support a role in weight management.

A human study on Lactobacillus gasseri found an average 4.6-percent reduction in visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue with accompanying positive effects on body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index.¹

Other probiotic strains, FloraMend, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum, are dominant in the mucus membrane that lines the large intestine.

In addition to supporting the maintenance of a normal pH; enhancing absorption of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus;² and supporting GI immune function and bowel regularity, healthy levels of Bifidobacterium might also protect against weight gain, particularly in childhood.^3,4

The takeaway

Whether you are looking for weight management support or just a way to support gut health in general, choosing a probiotic with researched strains, that is allergen-free is great practice.