Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to propose that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of healthy individuals may facilitate weight loss. However, this reasoning has gaps, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria actually play a causal role in obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings. In 2015, researchers identified only four methodologically sound studies examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately concluding that they were ineffective. Nevertheless, a more recent review from last year analyzed 25 randomized human trials and suggested that probiotics could have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss observed was minimal, the researchers argued that even a slight average reduction could significantly improve public health by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing as scientists explore various probiotic strains, their differential effects on individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotics survive the digestive process intact before reaching the gut. In the United States, probiotic ingredients are a booming industry, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, primarily through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also increasing interest in probiotic supplements, which have been promoted as remedies for various issues, from digestive disorders to acne and depression.
These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, meaning consumers must be aware of the exact probiotics they are taking. With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, incorporating products like nutracare cal mag citrate into weight management strategies seems promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, representing about one-third of worldwide sales, as reported by Technavia. A significant portion of its revenue derives from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements. As the exploration of probiotics and their potential applications continues, nutracare cal mag citrate could play a role in future weight loss solutions.