Recent Research: Probiotics

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. 

Review: Chromium

 Chromium supplements at certain daily doses can be safe for some people, but it's important to understand the potential benefits, side effects, and the current state of the research before taking them. Here's what I can share:

Potential benefits:

• Blood sugar control: In a recent study, the co-supplementation of chromium and Magnesium improves glycemic and lipid levels and reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress profiles of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. (1) Another recent study suggests chromium might improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes (2), However, the evidence is mixed to a certain extent, depending on the experimental design, subject selection and the supplement use in the study. It may work best for those who are chromium deficient.
• PCOS: Chromium may offer some benefits for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is linked to insulin resistance. (3)
• Weight loss: Some research suggests chromium may aid weight loss, Common ingredients of fat burning supplements such as green tea, caffeine, chromium, carnitine, and conjugated linoleic acid could act synergistically with a healthy diet and physical exercise for decreasing adipose tissue deposition in patients with lipedema and resolve related health issues. However, the effects of fat burners in human studies are sometimes contradictory, and further studies should test their effectiveness in treating lipedema. (4) 

Side effects:

• Generally well-tolerated: At recommended doses, chromium is usually safe.
• Potential side effects: Stomach upset, headaches, and skin rashes are possible, especially at high doses.
• Interactions: Chromium can interact with certain medications, like insulin and blood pressure drugs.

Important points:

• Consult your doctor: Before taking any new supplement, including chromium, consult your doctor to discuss potential risks and interactions with your current medications.
• Don't exceed recommended doses: Stick to the recommended dosage on the supplement label or as advised by your doctor.
• Food sources first: Getting chromium from food sources like meat, whole grains, and vegetables is generally recommended before considering supplements.

REFERENCE

1. Yang Zhao et al, Effects of co-supplementation of chromium and magnesium on metabolic profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress in impaired glucose tolerance, Diab Vasc Dis Res. 2024 Jan-Feb;21(1):14791641241228156. 

2. Fatima Alkhalidi, A comparative study to assess the use of chromium in type 2 diabetes mellitus, J Med Life. 2023 Aug;16(8):1178-1182. 

3. Xinyin Hu et al, Comparison of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis  PeerJ. 2023 Nov 13:11:e16410

4. Gabriele Bonetti et al, Dietary supplements for lipedema, J Prev Med Hyg. 2022 Oct 17;63(2 Suppl 3):E169-E173. 

This information is intended for general knowledge purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice.