The efficacy of probiotics supplementation on the lipid profiles of obese adolescents : a randomized trial

Abstract

Background: Obesity is defined as a medical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat and is associated with an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. Probiotics are living microorganisms, which upon consumption in sufficient numbers, exert health benefits. One of the benefits that has been studied is improving blood lipid profile. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of probiotics supplementation on obese adolescents’ lipid profiles. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial involving 58 obese adolescents aged 12-15 years in Denpasar City was performed. After the physical activity, nutritional intake, and lipid profile were assessed, subjects were randomized with random block into two groups: the treatment group who received sachet containing probiotics with five strains bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum) and the control group who received placebo for eight weeks. During the study, there were six drop out subjects, and the final analysis was performed on 52 subjects. The data was analyzed using MANCOVA test, with p value of <0,05 considered significant. Results: In the supplementation group, total cholesterol was decreased by 22,6 mg/dL (95% CI: -33.3 to -12.1, p = 0.0001), LDL was decreased by 16.9 mg/dL (95%CI: - 26.7 to -7.1, p = 0.001), and TG was decreased by 30.8 mg/dL (95%CI: -55.3 to -6.4, p = 0.014). Probiotic supplementation was not proven to increase HDL levels and HDL: LDL ratio with p values of 0.370 and 0.374, respectively. Conclusion: Probiotics supplementation in obese adolescent could reduce total cholesterol, LDL, TG, but had no effect on improving HDL levels and HDL: LDL ratio.