Introduction: Probiotic microbial cell preparation (MCP) supplementation is one of the
approaches to modulate alterations in gut microbiota (GM). This double-blind randomised
controlled trial investigated the effect of 4 weeks of MCP supplementation on fasting blood
glucose levels (FBG), body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and faecal short chain
fatty acids (SCFA) among 24 healthy and overweight (with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) Malaysian
adults.
Methods: Twenty-six subjects were randomised to receive either MCP (n= 12) or
placebo (n=14), twice daily, for 4 weeks. The probiotic powder contained a mix of six
strains namely, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei,Bifidobacterium
longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium infantis (3.0 x 1010 cfu). FBG, BW, WC,
WHR, faecal SCFA, physical activity levels and dietary intake were measured and changes
were determined using repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Twenty-four subjects
successfully completed the 4-week study period. Changes in FBG, BW, WC and SCFA were
not significantly different between the groups. Only subjects in the MCP group significantly
reduced their energy intake compared to baseline (1671±476 vs 1386±447 kcal, P=0.045).
Conclusion: A 4-week supplementation of the MCP mix powder did not have significant
effects on the variables studied. However, the significant reduction in dietary energy intake
in the MCP group suggests the potential of probiotics as an adjuvant to dietary therapy for
weight loss.