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. 

Recent Research: Grape Seed Extract

A study conducted by Parisa Ghanbari and colleagues investigated whether grape seed extract could help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition where fat builds up in the liver and can cause problems. They found that people who took grape seed extract (containing proanthocyanidins) for two months had lower levels of a marker for inflammation (IL-6) and a harmful molecule (MDA) compared to those who took a placebo (sugar pill).  They also had higher levels of good things in their bodies, like antioxidants (TAC, SOD, GPx) which help fight cell damage. On top of that, people who took grape seed extract reported feeling better overall, having more energy for physical activities, and generally having a higher quality of life. While these results are promising, more research is needed to confirm them. (1)

Grape seed extract has been shown to help with health problems linked to obesity, especially in younger animals. A study conducted by Marta Sierra-Cruz and colleagues investigated if grape seed extract could still be beneficial for older rats with obesity. The researchers fed older rats a high-fat, high-sugar diet for 11 weeks. They gave the rats grape seed extract in two different ways: some got it for 10 days before the unhealthy diet, and others got it at the same time as the diet. They looked at the rats' weight, body fat, liver fat storage, and inflammation. Grape seed extract given at the same time as the unhealthy diet helped the rats by lowering their weight, overall fat storage, and fat buildup in the liver. However, giving grape seed extract before the diet only helped reduce belly fat in these older, obese rats. Overall, the study suggests that grape seed extract can still be helpful for older rats with obesity, especially if taken alongside an unhealthy diet. (2)

REFERENCE

1. Parisa Ghanbari et al, Grape seed extract supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000805.

2. Marta Sierra-Cruz et al, Grape-Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Reverts Obesity-Related Metabolic Derangements in Aged Female Rats, Nutrients. 2021 Jun 16;13(6):2059.