Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could promote weight loss. However, this reasoning is somewhat flawed, as it remains unclear whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings. For instance, a study in 2015 identified only four rigorously conducted trials examining the impact 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 indeed have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. While the observed weight loss was minor, the researchers noted 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 continue to explore various probiotic strains, their effects on different individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotics survive the digestive process before reaching the gut. Probiotic ingredients represent a burgeoning industry in the United States, 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 are being touted as remedies for a range of issues, from digestive disorders to acne and depression. These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, emphasizing the need for consumers to be aware of what they are ingesting. With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, applications for weight loss appear promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, comprising about one-third of total sales, as per Technavia. A significant portion of this revenue is generated from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, including various citracal products that cater to consumers seeking these benefits. As the market expands, citracal products could play a vital role in the intersection of weight management and gut health.