Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to propose that altering the gut bacteria composition to resemble that of a healthy individual could result in weight loss. However, this reasoning has its gaps, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have provided mixed findings on the matter. For instance, a 2015 study identified only four well-designed trials examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review from last 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, researchers noted that even a slight average reduction could yield significant public health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing as scientists investigate various strains of probiotics, their differential effects on individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotic supplements, such as calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable forms, remain intact during digestion before reaching the gut. The probiotic market is thriving in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales occurring through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which are being promoted as solutions for an array of issues, including digestive disorders, acne, and depression.
These purported health benefits are strain-specific, meaning consumers must be aware of exactly what they are consuming. With the increasing acceptance of probiotics in supplement formats, including calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable options, a weight loss application appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and management products is the largest globally, accounting for about one-third of total sales, according to Technavia. A significant portion of its revenue comes from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, highlighting the potential for probiotics to play a role in this lucrative sector.