Role of Probiotics in Modulating and Managing Metabolic Diseases Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Health
Recent research has revealed that specific gut microbiota-derived metabolites are strongly linked to cardiovascular disease risk—potentially influencing atherosclerosis development more than traditional risk factors like cholesterol levels. This highlights the gut microbiome as a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular interventions.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examines the role of probiotics in modulating and managing metabolic diseases, specifically focusing on how probiotics can influence conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It explores the underlying mechanisms through which probiotics work, including modulation of gut microbiota, reduction of inflammation, and improvement in metabolic pathways. The review also highlights various probiotic strains that have shown efficacy in clinical studies and discusses the potential of using probiotics as a therapeutic tool in metabolic disease management.
Who was reviewed?
The review assesses a broad range of studies investigating the effects of probiotics on metabolic diseases. It evaluates clinical trials, animal studies, and microbiome research on specific probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactiplantibacillus. It also reviews experimental research that examines how probiotics affect metabolic parameters like glucose and lipid metabolism, body fat composition, and blood pressure. The review discusses findings from research on the gut microbiota and its connection to metabolic disorders, exploring how the microbiota is altered by probiotics and how this leads to health improvements.
What were the most important findings?
The review underscores the significant potential of probiotics in managing various metabolic diseases. Probiotics have been shown to improve glucose control, reduce insulin resistance, and help manage obesity by enhancing fat metabolism. Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium breve were found to reduce body weight, abdominal fat, and systemic inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity. The mechanisms behind these effects include the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial for metabolism, and the modulation of gut microbiota composition. Additionally, probiotics have been shown to support liver health, particularly in the case of NAFLD, by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and in some cases, slowing the progression of fibrosis. The review also emphasizes the importance of multi-strain probiotics, as combinations often provide more robust therapeutic effects compared to single strains.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The greatest implications of this review are for the clinical management and prevention of metabolic diseases. Probiotics represent a promising, natural, and sustainable therapeutic option for managing conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and NAFLD. The evidence supporting the role of probiotics in improving metabolic health suggests that they could become a key component of personalized treatment strategies. As probiotics are generally considered safe and have a relatively low risk of adverse effects, they could be integrated into long-term health management protocols, particularly as adjuncts to diet and lifestyle changes. Moreover, the review suggests that further research is needed to fine-tune the use of probiotics, particularly in terms of strain-specific efficacy, optimal doses, and delivery methods.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Short-chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Short-chain fatty acids are microbially derived metabolites that regulate epithelial integrity, immune signaling, and microbial ecology. Their production patterns and mechanistic roles provide essential functional markers within microbiome signatures and support the interpretation of MBTIs, MMAs, and systems-level microbial shifts across clinical conditions.