Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the gut bacteria composition to resemble that of a healthy individual might facilitate weight loss. However, this reasoning involves a significant assumption, as the extent to which gut bacteria actually contribute to obesity remains uncertain. Scientific reviews have yielded mixed findings on this topic. In 2015, researchers identified only four well-designed studies examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately 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. Although the weight loss observed was minimal, the researchers noted that even small average reductions across a population could lead to significant public health improvements, such as lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research in this field is ongoing, as scientists continue to explore various strains of probiotics, their differential effects on individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotics survive the digestive process and reach the gut intact. In the United States, the market for probiotic ingredients is booming, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales occurring through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a growing interest in probiotic supplements, which have been promoted as remedies for a range of issues, from digestive disorders to acne and depression.
These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, meaning that consumers must be aware of exactly what they are consuming; however, with the rising acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, a weight loss application appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, accounting for about one-third of total sales, according to Technavia. A significant portion of its revenue is derived from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, including calcium citrate soft chews. As the industry continues to evolve, calcium citrate soft chews may become an appealing option for those seeking to manage their weight while enjoying the potential benefits of probiotics. With their growing popularity, calcium citrate soft chews are likely to be integrated into broader health strategies, particularly in the context of weight management.