A synbiotic supplement reduces body fat and increases GLP-1 secretion in a pilot clinical study
Journal
Journal of Functional Foods
Journal Volume
137
ISSN
1756-4646
Date Issued
2026-02
Author(s)
Abstract
Obesity is closely associated with gut microbiota and their metabolites. We developed a multi-component synbiotic supplement that includes lychee polyphenols, Bifidobacterium longum , Bifidobacterium animalis , methionine, and other supportive ingredients such as prebiotics and postbiotics. A 5-week pilot clinical trial was conducted to evaluate its effects on body composition, metabolic markers, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, and GLP-1 secretion. The results showed significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, visceral fat, HbA1c, insulin resistance, and blood lipids. Metabolite analysis revealed increases in short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan metabolites, including acetic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, serotonin, and indolelactic acid. GLP-1 secretion increased in both humans and mice, with a notable rise in Akkermansia muciniphila observed in mice given the synbiotic. These findings suggest that this synbiotic supplementation could serve as a potential approach for improving metabolic health and reducing obesity.
Subjects
Bifidobacterium longum
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
Lychee polyphenols
Obesity
Synbiotics
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article