Probiotic Q&A

What is a probiotic?

Probiotics are not only live microorganisms found in supplements and some fermented foods
such as yogurt and pickles, they have also been found to have a variety of health benefits. These
benefits include vitamin K and B production, the breakdown of insoluble (indigestible) fiber,
immune system support, the improvement of mental health, improvement of heart health,
reduction of certain allergies and skin conditions, and (possibly one of the most sought after
effects) the reduction of belly fat.

What is the link between probiotics and body fat?

There are large populated families of primarily friendly microorganisms (bacteria) living in your
digestive system, two of which are families tied to the management of body fat - bacteroidetes
and firmicutes. According to a wide variety of studies, body weight is related to the balance of
these two families of bacteria.
These studies look at the difference between the gut bacteria in normal-weight people versus
overweight or obese people. The major difference found was that obese subjects had an
imbalance in their firmicute levels versus their bacteroidetes.

Which probiotics help you lose weight?

Not all probiotics are created equal. While there are many strains available, only a few have been
proven to have positive effects on weight. One strain that studies have found to assist in weight
loss is the Lactobacillus family. Studies have found the following to be true:
- When paired with diet and exercise eating yogurt with Lactobacillus fermentum or
Lactobacillus amylovorus helped to reduce body fat by 3–4% over a 6-week period.
- The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplements was measured on 125 subjects for weight
loss and weight maintenance. The study found women taking the probiotics over a three month
period lost 50% more weight than the placebo group.
- Lactobacillus gasseri is one of the most productive probiotic when it comes to weight loss. This
specific probiotic inhibits dietary fat absorption. This means the calories your body would
otherwise “harvest” are excreted instead.

How can probiotics help you lose weight?

While research is still ongoing, here are some of the ways probiotics are thought to assist in
weight loss:
- They release GLP-1:

Probiotics may play a part in the release of GLP-1 (appetite-reducing hormone). Studies have
shown increased levels of GLP-1 may actually help you burn calories and fat.
- They increase production of ANGPTL4:
Levels of the protein ANGPTL4 may rise from probiotic use. This production might actually lead
to decreased fat storage.

Are probiotics safe?

There are many types of probiotics available today. Because of this it’s good to remember that
some have a lot research behind them and some do not. Here are somethings to know before you
buy a probiotic:
- Mild side effects are possible such as gas or bloating within the first few days of use.
- All foods with probiotics are not created equal.
While these foods usually have good levels of live bacteria - “live and active cultures” yogurt,
kefir, aged cheeses, brined pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso - products that claim to have
probiotic benefits might not. Enriched juices, cereals, and snack bars may have less than
promised levels, or weakened forms of the organisms.
- Probiotics might not be safe for everyone.
People with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients in treatment, should avoid
probiotics.
- Expiration dates and storage are very important.
Because probiotics are living organisms they have a limited shelf life. Using probiotics before
their expiration dates and following the suggested storing advised on the product label maximizes
their potency.

Before taking any supplements we recommend talking to your doctor to ensure you are taking
one that is right for you.

If you would like more information on probiotics, please contact The Center for Internal and
Integrative Medicine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fatakhov.

Author

Dr. Eddie Fatakhov, M.D. Eddie Fatakhov, M.D. is a board-certified physician, nutritionist, and author of “Dr. Fat Off: Simple Life-Long Weight-Loss Solutions.”