Probiotic administration is a promising therapy for improving conditions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and potentially some other types of conditions. Here, we are going to review a few articles recently published on this topic:
Ehsan Amini-Salehi and colleagues conducted a study to investigate how improving gut bacteria with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics affects body measurements in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (1)
Studies suggest these gut health supplements might benefit non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, but the exact effects are unclear. Thus, Ehsan Amini-Salehi and colleagues reviewed studies published up to June 2023 that looked at the effects of these supplements on body measurements (BMI, weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.They found, Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly decreased with gut microbiota modulation. Weight and waist circumference did not change significantly, although there was a trend towards decrease in weight. They reported that probiotics seemed to have the strongest effect on lowering BMI, followed by prebiotics and synbiotics.However, there wasn't enough data on waist-to-hip ratio or waist-to-height ratio. They concluded that modulating gut bacteria with these supplements may help reduce BMI in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, but more research is needed to confirm effects on other body measurements. (1)
Yafang Yang and colleagues also ran a similar study. They analyzed multiple studies on probiotics for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and found that a combination of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus bacteria appears to be most effective. This specific combination showed the greatest potential for improving liver enzyme levels, blood fat levels, and reducing inflammation markers, compared to other single or combined strains of probiotics. These results provide valuable insights for developing future treatment guidelines using probiotics for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (2)
Probiotics may offer additional benefits following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. A study conducted by Hamid Melali and colleagues found that while both groups lost weight after surgery, those taking probiotics had better blood sugar control (lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c), higher vitamin B12 levels, and improved gut health (based on GI symptoms) compared to those taking a placebo. (3)
REFERENCE
1. Ehsan Amini-Salehi et al, Can modulation of gut microbiota affect anthropometric indices in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024 Jan 25;86(5):2900-2910.
2. Yafang Yang et al, Optimal probiotic combinations for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis, Clin Nutr. 2024 Apr 13;43(6):1224-1239.
3. Hamid Melali et al,Impact of Probiotics on Gastrointestinal Function and Metabolic Status After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial, Obes Surg. 2024 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07225-1.