Dysregulated metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with obesity.
Supplementation with probiotics can potentially be a natural therapeutic method for metabolic
disorders. The precise mechanism in which microbiota a ect Hcy metabolism in obese individuals is
still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the e ects of a 12-week supplementation with a
multispecies probiotic on Hcy levels, oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile in obese patients.
This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed on 50 obese women (aged
45–70 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to take either a multispecies probiotic supplement
(n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) for 12 weeks. The probiotic contained nine bacterial strains containing
2.5 109 CFU/g. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were carried out at baseline and
after 12 weeks of intervention. At the end of the study, a significant decrease in Hcy, tumor necrosis
factor (TNF- ), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride
(TG) levels were observed in the probiotic group. The amelioration of total antioxidant status (TAS)
was also observed. The 12-week supplementation of the multispecies probiotic (Ecologic® BARIER)
e ectively reduced Hcy concentration, oxidative stress and inflammation, and improved the lipid
profile. These multidirectional e ects can potentially reduce cardiometabolic risks.