Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could facilitate weight loss. However, this reasoning is somewhat flawed, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific analyses have yielded mixed findings. In 2015, a study identified only four rigorously conducted investigations into the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately deeming them ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review of 25 randomized human trials suggested that probiotics might indeed have a minor influence on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss observed was minimal, the researchers noted that even a slight average reduction across a population could significantly benefit public health by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing, with scientists exploring various strains of probiotics, their effects on different individuals, and methods to protect these beneficial bacteria from being destroyed in the digestive system before they reach the gut. The market for probiotic ingredients, including calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid tablets, is booming in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, predominantly in the form of functional foods and beverages, as reported by Global Market Insights. There is also a rising demand for probiotic supplements, which are marketed as remedies for a range of issues, from digestive disturbances to acne and depression.
These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, emphasizing the need for consumers to be well-informed about the products they choose, especially with the increasing popularity of probiotic supplements. Given the substantial North American market for weight loss and weight management products—accounting for about one-third of global sales, as per Technavia—this sector presents a lucrative opportunity. The primary revenue sources include meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, alongside interest in formulations containing calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid tablets.