Authors

Smith-Ryan, A, Mock, M.G, Trexler, E.T, Hirsch, K.R, Blue, M.N.M

Year

2018

Journal

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the effects of a multistrain probiotic on body composition, regional adiposity, and a series of associated metabolic health outcomes. Female health care workers employed on a rotating-shift schedule (n = 41) completed baseline anthropometric assessments; a fasted blood draw; questionnaires to assess anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Survey); and an exercise fatigue test. Identical post-tests occurred following 6 weeks of daily supplementation with placebo (PLA) or probiotics (2.5 × 109 CFU/g) containing 9 bacterial strains (PRO; Ecologic Barrier) combined with a prebiotic carrier matrix. PRO attenuated fat mass increases (change (), 0.14 kg; confidence
interval (CI) –0.46 to 0.75 kg) compared with PLA (, 0.79 kg; CI 0.03–1.54 kg), whereas modest reductions in visceral adiposity resulted for both PRO and PLA. Metabolic biomarkers (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, leptin) were not influenced by either treatment (p > 0.05). Nonsignificant, but potentially
clinically relevant, improvements in anxiety (, –2.3 ± 2.63) and fatigue (, –4.8 ± 5.5) were observed with PRO; exercise performance was unaffected. Results indicate a potential protective effect of probiotics against fat mass gain. Probiotics may alleviate anxiety and fatigue in shift-working females.