Impact of probiotic supplementation and the role of gut microbiome in obesity

Abstract

Obesity is an outcome of irregular energy intake and balance, changes in gut microbiota, and improper diet, which is further influenced by the host’s genetic makeup and environmental factors. Several studies in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trials have highlighted the influence of fermented food and microbes on obesity-associated consequences. They include probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Probiotics are defined as viable microorganisms that reach the intestine in an active state sufficient to exert positive health benefits. A prebiotic is “a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microbiota that confers benefits upon host well-being and health.” A synbiotic is a synergistic combination of both pre and probiotics. Here we try to explain the factors influencing obesity, the role of microbiome, and probiotic intervention in obesity. These effects could be attributed to their ability to alter the intestinal microbiota, remodeling the energy metabolism, alter the expression of genes related to thermogenesis, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism, and change the parasympathetic nerve activity. Further in-depth studies are necessary to identify the best probiotic or synbiotic mixture, optimum dosage, duration of the intervention, and mode of action to reduce obesity.