Researchers tested a special probiotic supplement containing three ingredients on 40 overweight adults for 12 weeks. The probiotic group lost more belly fat, had better cholesterol levels, and experienced fewer stomach problems compared to the placebo group. While both groups improved somewhat, the probiotic group showed extra benefits like reduced inflammation markers and better gut bacteria balance. The results suggest this specific combination might help people manage their weight and heart health, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special probiotic supplement with three active ingredients could help overweight people lose weight, improve cholesterol, and feel better in their stomachs
  • Who participated: 40 adults (mostly women) with an average age of 51 years who were overweight or obese but didn’t have serious heart disease risk
  • Key finding: People taking the probiotic lost more belly fat (1.8 cm), lost more body fat (1.8 kg), and had better cholesterol numbers compared to those taking a fake pill, even though both groups improved
  • What it means for you: This supplement may offer extra benefits beyond what happens naturally when people pay attention to their health, but it’s not a replacement for exercise and healthy eating. Results were modest, and you should talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the best ways to test if something actually works. Researchers randomly divided 40 people into two groups: one received the probiotic supplement daily for 12 weeks, and the other received a placebo (fake pill) that looked identical. Neither the participants nor some of the researchers knew who got the real supplement until the study ended, which helps prevent bias.

The researchers measured many things before and after the 12 weeks: body measurements like waist size and weight, blood tests for cholesterol and blood sugar, stomach symptoms, and even analyzed the bacteria living in participants’ guts using special lab techniques. This comprehensive approach helped them understand not just whether people lost weight, but also why the supplement might work.

Using a placebo group is crucial because people often feel better just from taking something, even if it’s fake. By comparing the probiotic group to a placebo group, researchers could see if the real supplement did more than just the placebo effect. The study also looked at gut bacteria because scientists believe the bacteria in our stomachs play an important role in weight management and overall health.

This study has several strengths: it used a placebo control group, randomly assigned people to groups, measured many different health markers, and was published in a respected scientific journal. However, the sample size was relatively small (only 40 people), and most participants were women, so results might not apply equally to men. The study lasted only 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. The researchers were transparent about these limitations.

What the Results Show

The probiotic group experienced greater improvements in several key areas. Their waist circumference decreased by 1.8 centimeters more than the placebo group, and they lost 1.8 kilograms more body fat (representing a 1.7% reduction). These changes suggest the supplement may help reduce belly fat specifically, which is important because belly fat is linked to heart disease risk.

Cholesterol improvements were also more pronounced in the probiotic group. Total cholesterol dropped 11 mg/dL more, and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) decreased 10.3 mg/dL more compared to placebo. Additionally, the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol improved by 0.1 points, meaning more “good” cholesterol relative to “bad” cholesterol.

Interestingly, both groups showed similar improvements in blood sugar control (HbA1c), suggesting this benefit may come from the study itself—perhaps from increased health awareness or lifestyle changes both groups made. The probiotic group showed additional benefits in reducing inflammation markers in the blood, with significant decreases in oxidative stress (cellular damage) and increases in protective antioxidants like glutathione.

Participants taking the probiotic reported fewer gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, and discomfort. Analysis of gut bacteria showed that the probiotic increased bacterial diversity (evenness index), which generally indicates a healthier gut ecosystem. The supplement reduced certain bacteria (Lachnospirales) that were more abundant before treatment. These changes in gut bacteria composition may explain some of the metabolic improvements observed.

This research aligns with growing evidence that probiotics can support weight management and metabolic health, though results are typically modest. Previous studies have shown mixed results with single-strain probiotics, but this multi-component approach (combining a probiotic strain with plant sterols and a B-vitamin form) appears promising. The study’s findings are consistent with the theory that gut bacteria influence weight and cholesterol, though this research adds practical evidence that specific combinations may work better than individual components alone.

The study included only 40 people, which is relatively small and limits how much we can generalize the findings. The group was mostly women (30 out of 40), so results may not apply equally to men. The 12-week duration is short—we don’t know if benefits continue, increase, or decrease over months or years. The study didn’t track what people ate or how much they exercised, so we can’t be sure these factors didn’t influence results. Finally, the improvements, while statistically significant, were modest in real-world terms, so individual results may vary considerably.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the probiotic formulation may offer modest additional benefits for weight management and cholesterol in overweight adults, particularly for reducing belly fat. However, confidence in these recommendations is moderate because the study was small and short-term. This supplement should be considered as a potential addition to—not a replacement for—regular exercise, healthy eating, and medical care. If you’re interested in trying it, discuss it with your doctor first, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

This research is most relevant to overweight or obese adults interested in natural approaches to weight management and cholesterol improvement. It may be particularly interesting to people who want to support their gut health alongside weight loss efforts. However, people with compromised immune systems, severe digestive disorders, or those taking certain medications should consult their doctor before starting probiotics. This study doesn’t provide evidence for use in children, pregnant women, or people with serious health conditions.

Based on this 12-week study, you might expect to see changes in waist circumference and cholesterol within 8-12 weeks if the supplement works for you. However, individual responses vary significantly. Some people may see benefits sooner, while others may see little change. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations—the improvements observed were modest, typically in the range of 1-2% of body weight or a few points in cholesterol levels.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track waist circumference weekly (measure at the narrowest point between ribs and hips) and record any gastrointestinal symptoms daily using a simple 1-5 scale for bloating, constipation, and overall comfort. If possible, get blood work done at 6-week and 12-week intervals to monitor cholesterol and blood sugar changes.
  • Start taking the probiotic supplement daily at the same time each day (set a phone reminder). Simultaneously, track your daily water intake, servings of vegetables, and minutes of physical activity. This combination helps isolate the supplement’s effects from lifestyle changes and increases accountability.
  • Create a simple spreadsheet or use your app’s tracking feature to record: weekly waist measurements, daily symptom scores, supplement adherence (yes/no), and any lifestyle factors like exercise minutes and diet quality. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, review trends and note any patterns. If you don’t see improvements in waist circumference or symptoms by week 8, discuss with your doctor whether to continue.

This research describes findings from a single 12-week study with 40 participants and should not be considered medical advice. The improvements observed were modest and individual results vary. Probiotics are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medications, and quality varies between brands. Before starting any probiotic supplement, especially if you have a compromised immune system, serious digestive disorder, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider. This supplement is not a substitute for medical treatment, exercise, or healthy eating. Always discuss new supplements with your doctor, particularly if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions.