Abstract

Animal studies have shown that Multi-Strain Probiotics (MSP) such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus LCRI77, Bifidobacterium adolescentis BA286, and Pediococcus acidilactici PA318, can inhibit fat formation and improve blood lipid levels, but the effects in humans are not known. This study compared the effects of MSP on blood pressure and health maintenance in healthy normal-weight and obese subjects.Forty-six subjects, 20 to 50 years of age, were divided into a normal-weight group and a healthy obese group. The body mass indexes (BMIs) of 20 subjects in the normal-weight group ranged from 18.5 to 23.9 kg/m², while BMIs for the 26 subjects in the obesity group were all ≥ 27.0 kg/m². In a double-blind, random test, each subject consumed three capsules of an MSP formulation (2.23 × 1010 colony-forming units) each day after meals. All subjects maintained their normal activities of daily life, including diet and exercise patterns. Anthropometry and blood biochemical analysis were done, and the results of a heart and lung functional test were analyzed.All 46 subjects consumed the MSP for 6 weeks. The average weekly weight loss was 0.5%, and waist circumference, BMI, and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower among the normal-weight group (P<0.05). SGOT and SGPT levels were significantly lower among the obese group (P<0.05), while the serum calcium level was significantly increased (P=0.016). The serum sodium level was significantly increased in the normal-weight group. Plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total calories, and total calories/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratios decreased, but plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Serum glucose, thyroxine, renal function, and pulmonary function remained in the normal range for all subjects. The results of this study showed that the MSP formula can improve weight loss, lower SBP, and maintain health for obese persons.

Keywords: Probiotic; Lactobacillus; Obesity; Systolic blood pressure; Health maintenance