Lactobacillus species causing obesity in humans: where is the evidence?
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Abstract
By definition, probiotics are to provide health benefits and are expected not to cause any adverse effects in the general population. Recently, it has been suggested that probiotics and in particular lactobacilli are contributing to human obesity. Here, we critically review the data available on this topic. The main misconception in this hypothesis is that growth in livestock and children equals with obesity in adults. The former two are expected to grow and probiotics may, by reducing disease risk, contribute to an improved growth. It is not correct to extrapolate this growth (of all tissues) to body weight gain (growth of adipose tissue) in adults. Furthermore, when looking at animal models of obesity, it even appears the lactobacilli may potentially contribute to a reduction in body weight. Epidemiological studies lend strength to this. We therefore conclude that there is no evidence that consumption of lactobacilli or probiotics in general would contribute to obesity in humans.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 529 | 421 | 26 |
| Full Text Views | 28 | 16 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 12 | 8 | 0 |
Lactobacillus species causing obesity in humans: where is the evidence?
In: Beneficial MicrobesSearch for other papers by S.J. Lahtinen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by E. Davis in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
arthur.ouwehand@dupont.com
Search for other papers by A.C. Ouwehand in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
By definition, probiotics are to provide health benefits and are expected not to cause any adverse effects in the general population. Recently, it has been suggested that probiotics and in particular lactobacilli are contributing to human obesity. Here, we critically review the data available on this topic. The main misconception in this hypothesis is that growth in livestock and children equals with obesity in adults. The former two are expected to grow and probiotics may, by reducing disease risk, contribute to an improved growth. It is not correct to extrapolate this growth (of all tissues) to body weight gain (growth of adipose tissue) in adults. Furthermore, when looking at animal models of obesity, it even appears the lactobacilli may potentially contribute to a reduction in body weight. Epidemiological studies lend strength to this. We therefore conclude that there is no evidence that consumption of lactobacilli or probiotics in general would contribute to obesity in humans.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 529 | 421 | 26 |
| Full Text Views | 28 | 16 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 12 | 8 | 0 |
