Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to hypothesize that altering the composition of gut bacteria to resemble that of healthy individuals could result in weight loss. However, this reasoning is a bit of a leap, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria actually play a causal role in obesity. Scientific reviews have yielded mixed findings. For instance, in 2015, researchers identified only four well-executed studies on the impact of probiotics on weight loss, concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a review conducted last year examined 25 randomized human trials and suggested that probiotics might have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss observed was minimal, the researchers argued that even a slight average reduction could yield significant public health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing as scientists explore various strains of probiotics, assess their effects on different individuals, and seek methods to prevent probiotics from being destroyed during digestion before they reach the gut. The market for probiotic ingredients has become a lucrative industry in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales attributed to functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. Additionally, there is a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which are often promoted as remedies for a wide range of issues, from digestive troubles to acne and depression.
These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, making it essential for consumers to understand exactly what they are taking. With an increasing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, the prospect of their application for weight loss appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, accounting for about one-third of worldwide sales, as reported by Technavia. The majority of this revenue is derived from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements.
Moreover, incorporating high-quality ingredients such as USP certified calcium citrate into these supplements is gaining traction, as consumers become more discerning about their health choices. As the market evolves, the inclusion of USP certified calcium citrate can enhance the overall appeal and efficacy of weight loss products, potentially leading to better outcomes for consumers.