Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the composition of gut bacteria to resemble that of healthy individuals could promote weight loss. However, this reasoning has its flaws, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have yielded mixed findings. In 2015, researchers identified only four rigorously conducted studies on the impact of probiotics on weight loss and concluded that they were ineffective. Conversely, a review from the previous year analyzed 25 randomized human trials and suggested that probiotics might indeed have a modest effect 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 lead to significant public health improvements, including lower blood pressure and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing as scientists explore various strains of probiotics, their differential effects on individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotics survive the digestive process to reach the gut. The market for probiotic ingredients is substantial in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with the majority sold through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which are promoted as remedies for a range of issues from digestive disorders to acne and depression. It’s important for consumers to recognize that these health benefits are strain-specific, necessitating awareness of the exact products they are consuming. With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, their application in weight loss appears promising.
The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, making up about one-third of total sales, as reported by Technavia. Most of the revenue in this sector comes from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, which may include ingredients like citrat calcium, further enhancing their appeal. As the industry evolves, the incorporation of citrat calcium into probiotic formulations could provide additional benefits, potentially attracting more consumers interested in weight management solutions.