DuPont Nutrition & Health has released new findings from a clinical study of a synbiotic dietary supplement that gives hope to overweight consumers at risk of health complications. Combining the benefits of a proven probiotic with a prebiotic fiber, HOWARU® Shape has proven potential to improve metabolic health while supporting weight loss.
In a previously published clinical study, a trial group that received HOWARU® Shape had 4.5 percent less total body fat and 6.7 percent less trunk fat than those who received a placebo supplement. The improvement in lean body mass was still evident one month after the end of the trial.
New findings from this study published in Beneficial Microbes found a beneficial impact on the gut microbiota in individuals who consumed HOWARU® Shape daily over six months. Modifications to the gut microbiota that resulted from probiotic consumption included a greater abundance of the bacterial species Akkermansia muciniphila, which is associated with improved metabolic health.
Potential to Improve Leaky Gut and Type 2 Diabetes
Megan DeStefano, global marketing manager, Probiotics, DuPont Nutrition & Health welcomes the latest findings, which build on more than a decade of scientific research.
“The favorable change in gut microbiota is positive for overweight individuals struggling with metabolic disorders, such as leaky gut and type 2 diabetes. In particular, Akkermansia is associated with improved gut barrier function and glucose tolerance. We also have observed a reduction in circulating inflammatory markers which supports heart, kidney and respiratory health.”
Synbiotic Combination has Pronounced Effect
The study followed 225 overweight but otherwise healthy subjects who consumed a powder supplement mixed into a smoothie once a day for six months. The supplement contained a placebo, the probiotic culture B420™, the prebiotic fiber Litesse® Ultra™, or HOWARU® Shape, which is a synbiotic combination of B420™ and Litesse® Ultra™. Regular diet and exercise habits were otherwise maintained.
While consumption of B420™ alone did have a positive impact on the gut microbiota, the beneficial effect was even more pronounced when B420™ was combined with Litesse® Ultra™ in HOWARU® Shape.
Clinical Benefits Linked to Gut Microbiota
“Previously published results from this study showed that consumption of B420™ alone or in combination with Litesse® Ultra™ controlled body fat mass gain and improved obesity-related markers in overweight and obese adults. New results from this study suggest that changes in the gut microbiota and its metabolism may be the link to the clinical benefits we have observed,” Ashley Hibberd, senior scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Health said.
Available in capsule or sachet format, HOWARU® Shape is the newest addition to the HOWARU® Premium Probiotics range of proven health-enhancing bacteria strains. Their stability is well documented in dietary supplements as well as in food.
Today, the scientific journal Beneficial Microbes published the latest results from the study, entitled, “Probiotic or synbiotic alters the gut microbiota and metabolism in a randomized controlled trial of weight management in overweight adults.”
About DuPont Nutrition & Health
DuPont Nutrition & Health, a DowDuPont Specialty Products Division business, combines in-depth knowledge of food and nutrition with current research and expert science to deliver unmatched value to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries. We are innovative solvers, drawing on deep consumer insights and a broad product portfolio to help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. More information is available at www.food.dupont.com.
About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division
DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products Division, which will be called DuPont, into an independent, publicly traded company.
