Lallemand unveils probiotic solution for weight management and mental health

02 Sep 2021 --- Lallemand Health Solutions’ L. rhamnosus HA-114 probiotic improves eating and mood-related behaviors in overweight adults who undergo diet-induced weight loss, according to the results of a placebo-controlled clinical trial.

“The strain L. rhamnosus HA-114 supports weight management efforts by restoring the balance of eating behaviors through the brain-gut axis. L. rhamnosus HA-114 has a significant impact on eating behaviors such as self-control or hunger, binge eating and food cravings,” Morgane Maillard, marketing group manager at Lallemand Health Solutions, tells NutritionInsight.

“The L. rhamnosus HA-114 strain will allow us to formulate probiotic solutions for our partners available in convenient galenic formats, such as capsules, sachets and orodispersible sticks.”

Psychological well-being impact
A healthier metabolic phenotype was also associated with probiotic supplementation. These results affirm the applicability of the brain-gut axis concept again and demonstrate the influence of this probiotic strain on psychological well-being among participants engaging in a caloric-restriction intervention.

The probiotic strain helps to control feelings of occasional anxiety and stress during weight loss. It also supports a healthy metabolism.

The use of gut-friendly solutions for mental health concerns is also being harnessed by FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ galacto oligosaccharides prebiotic ingredient Biotis GOS, which relieves anxiety in young women.The findings show the probiotic intervention’s positive benefits on eating habits, mental health and metabolic profile. 

Alleviating weight management concerns
The study shows that probiotic supplementation could favor wellness and facilitate adherence during a diet-based weight reduction program.

“Probiotics are documented on their potential role in balancing the metabolic profile, and L. rhamnosus HA-114 is a good candidate in this study. The probiotic strain had a significant effect on insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides,” adds Maillard.

As the probiotic improved self-control behaviors, its use could lead to better long-term adherence to dietary recommendations.

The weight loss challenges in 45.7 percent of consumers were due to self-defeating actions, such as consuming treats and having “moments of indulgence.” Additionally, 28.9 percent of consumers think their latest attempt to lose weight was unsuccessful.

“The consumers now understand that weight loss is not just about body appearance. When asked why a healthy weight is important, 19.6 percent stated it was because of physical appearance, and 80.4 percent noted that overall health and well-being were factors,” adds Maillard.

“Consumers are health-aware and are looking for natural ways to take care of themselves. This study is paving the way to further investigation in the field of metabolic health, where there are abundant health applications. There is a high demand today for natural solutions to take care of yourself, including solutions to maintain and support a healthy metabolic profile.”

Probiotics for health maintenance
Industry players are addressing the relevance of the gut microbiota in sustaining general well-being. A few weeks ago, experts from FrieslandCampina, Kerry and Probi discussed the importance of probiotics for digestive and mental health.

Also, ADM introduced a fat-reducing probiotic molecule that also helps with metabolic health issues, including diabetes.

By Nicole Kerr