Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the composition of gut bacteria to resemble that of a healthy individual could facilitate weight loss. However, there is a significant gap in this reasoning, as it remains unclear whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews present mixed findings on this subject. In 2015, researchers identified only four rigorously conducted studies examining the effects of probiotics on weight loss, concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review from last year analyzed 25 randomized human trials and suggested that probiotics might have a modest impact on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss observed was minimal, researchers noted that even a slight average reduction could provide substantial public health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
The research is ongoing as scientists explore various strains of probiotics, their varying effects on different individuals, and methods to protect probiotics from being destroyed in the digestive tract before reaching the gut. In the United States, probiotic ingredients have become a lucrative industry, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, primarily through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which have been promoted as remedies for a range of issues, from digestive disorders to acne and depression. However, the claimed health benefits are strain-specific, indicating that consumers must be well-informed about what they are taking. With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, their potential for weight loss applications appears promising.
The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, representing about one-third of total sales, as reported by Technavia. The majority of its revenue is derived from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, with kosher calcium citrate often highlighted as a beneficial ingredient in many of these formulations. As research continues to evolve, the intersection of probiotics, weight management, and specific ingredients like kosher calcium citrate may unlock new potential for health improvements and weight loss strategies.