Researchers tested whether a special supplement containing beneficial bacteria and plant fibers could help older adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk. Ninety-six people aged 65 and older took either the supplement or a placebo for four months. Those who took the supplement lost weight, had better cholesterol levels, and their blood sugar control improved. The supplement appeared safe with no serious side effects. These results suggest that this type of gut health supplement might be a helpful addition to diabetes treatment for older adults, though more research is still needed.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a supplement containing good bacteria and plant fiber could improve health in older adults with type 2 diabetes who also had a high risk of heart disease.
  • Who participated: 96 people aged 65 and older with type 2 diabetes and high heart disease risk. They were split into two groups: one received the supplement, and one received a placebo (fake pill). 85 people finished the study.
  • Key finding: People taking the supplement lost about 1.2 pounds on average, had lower cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and less insulin resistance compared to those taking the placebo. All of these improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to happen by chance.
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older adult with diabetes and heart disease risk, this supplement may help you lose weight and improve your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, this is just one study, so talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement to make sure it’s right for you.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly assigned 96 older adults with type 2 diabetes to receive either a special supplement or a placebo (fake pill) that looked identical. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement—this is called triple-blind, which helps prevent bias. The study lasted four months, from January 2022 to May 2023.

The supplement contained two main ingredients: probiotics (good bacteria that help your gut) and fructooligosaccharide (a plant fiber that feeds the good bacteria). This combination is called a synbiotic. Researchers measured weight, body composition, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers of heart disease risk at the beginning and end of the study.

This design is important because it allows researchers to see if the supplement actually caused the improvements, rather than other factors. The random assignment and blinding help ensure fair comparison between groups.

This research approach matters because older adults with diabetes face serious health risks, especially for heart disease. Finding safe, simple ways to improve their health could make a real difference. By using a rigorous study design with a placebo control group, researchers could determine whether the supplement truly worked or if improvements were just due to chance or placebo effect.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (fair assignment to groups), triple-blind (reducing bias), and had a placebo control group (allowing fair comparison). The study measured multiple health markers, not just one. However, the sample size was relatively small (96 people), and the study only lasted four months, so we don’t know about long-term effects. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. No serious side effects were reported, which is a positive sign for safety.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that people taking the synbiotic supplement lost significantly more weight than those taking the placebo. On average, the supplement group lost about 1.2 pounds more than the placebo group. Their body mass index (BMI), which measures weight relative to height, also decreased more in the supplement group. Additionally, body fat specifically decreased by about 1 pound more in the supplement group.

Beyond weight, the supplement group showed major improvements in heart disease risk factors. Their LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) dropped by about 10.8 mg/dL more than the placebo group. Total cholesterol also fell by about 11.8 mg/dL more. These might sound like small numbers, but they represent meaningful improvements in heart health.

Most importantly for people with diabetes, the supplement group’s fasting blood sugar dropped by about 22.8 mg/dL more than the placebo group. They also showed better insulin resistance, measured by a test called HOMA-IR, which improved by 1.31 points more than placebo. This means their bodies were using insulin more efficiently.

A marker called VCAM-1, which indicates inflammation in blood vessels, also decreased significantly in the supplement group. This is important because inflammation in blood vessels increases heart disease risk.

The study measured lean body mass (muscle) and found no significant difference between groups, which is good—it means the weight loss was primarily from fat, not muscle. The supplement was well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported in either group. This safety profile is important for older adults who may be taking multiple medications.

Previous research has suggested that probiotics and prebiotics may help with weight management and blood sugar control, but studies in older adults with diabetes have been limited. This study adds to growing evidence that gut health supplements may benefit people with type 2 diabetes. However, results vary across different studies depending on the specific bacteria strains used and the study population, so this isn’t the final word on the topic.

Several limitations should be noted: the study only lasted four months, so we don’t know if benefits continue long-term or if people maintain the improvements. The sample size of 96 people is relatively small, and most participants were likely from a specific geographic region, so results may not apply to all older adults. The study didn’t measure dietary changes or exercise, which could have affected results. We also don’t know which specific bacteria in the supplement were most helpful. Finally, this was one study, so results need to be confirmed by other researchers before making strong recommendations.

The Bottom Line

Based on this study, a multi-species synbiotic supplement appears to be a safe option that may help older adults with type 2 diabetes improve weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar control. However, confidence in this recommendation is moderate because it’s based on one study. This supplement should be considered as an addition to, not a replacement for, standard diabetes treatment including medication, diet, and exercise. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications.

This research is most relevant to older adults (65+) with type 2 diabetes who also have high heart disease risk. It may also interest their doctors and family members. People with type 2 diabetes who are younger, or those without significant heart disease risk, should talk to their doctor about whether this applies to them. People with certain digestive conditions or immune system disorders should check with their doctor before trying probiotics.

In this study, improvements were measured after four months of taking the supplement. You might see some benefits sooner (weight loss can start in weeks), but the full metabolic improvements likely take several weeks to months. It’s important to be consistent with taking the supplement and maintain healthy eating and exercise habits for best results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily synbiotic supplement intake (yes/no), weekly weight, and fasting blood sugar readings if you monitor at home. Record any digestive changes or side effects. This creates a personal record to share with your doctor and helps you see if the supplement is working for you.
  • Set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). Pair this habit with another daily routine to make it easier to remember. Also track your weight weekly on the same day and time for consistency.
  • Check weight weekly and record it in the app. If you have a home blood sugar monitor, record fasting glucose readings 2-3 times per week. After 4-8 weeks, review your trends to see if the supplement is helping. Share these records with your doctor at your next appointment to discuss whether to continue the supplement.

This research suggests that synbiotic supplements may help older adults with type 2 diabetes, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take diabetes medications, blood thinners, or have digestive disorders. This study lasted only four months, so long-term effects are unknown. Individual results may vary. If you experience any adverse reactions, stop taking the supplement and contact your healthcare provider immediately. This information is for educational purposes and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.