Blackmores Institute

Researchers wanted to examine whether supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is associated with changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting blood glucose (FBG) in middle-aged and older adults without type 2 diabetes mellitus. 200 middle-aged and older adults (55-75 years) were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical with participants completing baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments, with adherence visits at 30-day intervals.“Analyses showed participants randomised to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG vs placebo were generally similar, however, using ANCOVAs for group differences at 3-month follow-up while controlling for baseline values found a significant group effect for HbA1c [F(1,90) = 8.44, p = 0.005] - HbA1c values increased in the placebo group, though remained stable in the probiotic group,” the authors reported.Further analysis found that participants taking placebo showed increasing values over time [F (1,41) = 7.13, p = 0.01] whereas the probiotic group was stable and trended toward lower values after intervention [F (1,5) =2.27, p = 0.14]. “Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is known for its bile resistance, rapid growth, and adhesive properties and has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. “Middle-age and older adults randomised to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited stable HbA1c over time, whereas those taking placebo increased at follow-up. These findings raise the possibility that the glucoregulatory benefits of probiotic supplementation in patient samples may extend to healthy individuals and help delay age-related increases in HbA1c,” the authors said.“As metabolic dysfunction is associated with ageing, chronic illness, and cognitive decline, these findings may have important implications for promoting healthy ageing.”
 The authors acknowledged that the changes were modest over time and called for further research to be done – particularly in four key areas, to clarify the possible benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in healthy individuals.“The most beneficial dose and combination of probiotics should also be determined. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is known to improve glycaemic control and is well-tolerated, though understanding the relative benefits of other probiotic supplements in isolation and combination is needed.”“To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate probiotic supplementation and glycaemic control in a healthy sample. In summary, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation was associated with stable HbA1c levels in healthy individuals, though additional research is needed to confirm these findings,” the authors concluded.Source:
 Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020. DOI: 1<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.034">0.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.034</a>

The benefits of probiotics in improving glycaemic control only seen previously in people with diabetes mellitus may also extend to healthy individuals a new study in journal, Diabetes &amp; Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research &amp; Reviews, reports.

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