Clinical Applications

• Supports healthy weight management*
• Promotes gut barrier function*
• Promotes intake of less calories*
• Supports reduction of body fat mass*

FitProbio+ boasts a vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free formulation, featuring the patented HOWARU® Shape Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis B420. This particular probiotic strain is recognized for its safety, efficacy, and high tolerability. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in aiding healthy body composition. It contributes to the enhancement of gut barrier integrity, aids in the diminution of body fat, and supports the reduction in caloric intake.*

Discussion

At the dawn of the 20th century, Nobel Prize winner Ilya Metchnikov introduced the idea that yogurt-based bacteria could play a role in counteracting gut pathogens, potentially aiding in longevity. This concept has since been firmly established and expanded upon in medical research. In 2002, specialists from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and WHO (World Health Organization) defined probiotics as “live, selectively chosen microorganisms which, when given in sufficient quantities, bestow a health advantage on the host.” Clinical studies have shown that supplemental probiotics can positively affect a variety of health aspects, including digestive health, allergies, immune function, and weight management.*[1-7]

Maintaining the epithelial integrity is crucial for the gastrointestinal tract's functionality. Research in vitro and in animal studies has linked disruptions in this integrity to metabolic issues. To explore the impact of specific probiotic bacteria in safeguarding epithelial cells against pathogenic bacteria, Caco-2 cells were exposed to cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of four probiotics—Bifidobacterium lactis† 420 (B420), Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, and Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33—alongside a cell-free supernatant from a pathogenic bacterium, Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7. The results indicated that the B420 CFS mitigated the damage caused by the EHEC CFS, suggesting probiotic bacteria produce metabolites that may protect epithelial cells and favorably modulate cytokine balance. This leads to speculation about the formation and impact of these metabolites in the intestine and their potential in vivo effects. Nonetheless, the data does imply that ingesting B420 probiotic could be beneficial for epithelial integrity.*[8]

Animal studies have investigated B420's potential in mitigating body weight gain and diabetes induced by a high-fat diet. The findings showed a decrease in fat mass and improved glucose tolerance in obese and diabetic mice. A reduction in intestinal mucosal adherence and lower plasma lipopolysaccharide levels indicated a possible mechanism involving diminished translocation of gut microbes.*[9]

HOWARU® Shape B420 (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis B420)

The aforementioned in vitro and animal research utilized B420, yielding encouraging results in epithelial integrity and potential weight management applications. These findings necessitated a human study to confirm these effects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving overweight participants (N = 225) aged 18-65 assessed the impact of B420 and its combination with a prebiotic fiber on body fat and other weight-related measures. The researchers hypothesized that body fat reduction might be linked to zonulin (a marker of gut barrier function) and C-reactive protein (CRP), a theory supported by prior animal studies.

Participants were not asked to alter their diet or exercise routines. Body composition was monitored using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, focusing primarily on relative changes in body fat mass when comparing treatment groups with a placebo. Other measured outcomes included anthropometric data, dietary intake, and various blood and fecal biomarkers. The study found that the combination of B420 with the prebiotic yielded the most notable benefits in comparison to the placebo, resulting in a 4.5% reduction in body fat mass. However, B420 alone (1010 CFU/day) also led to a significant decrease in body fat mass by 4.0%, particularly noticeable in the abdominal area and waist circumference. Additionally, both groups showed a significant reduction in caloric intake compared to the placebo, with no notable differences in adverse event occurrences between the groups.*[7]

Further investigations into B420 focused on its influence on gut microbiota and its association with clinical benefits and obesity-related issues. Fecal and plasma samples from a subset (n = 134) of participants in the mentioned clinical trial were analyzed at baseline, at two, four, six months, and one month post-intervention. The intake of B420 was found to modify specific gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus and Akkermansia muciniphila. The latter, often found in reduced quantities in obese individuals with metabolic disorders, is linked to improved metabolic health. This bacterium aids gut barrier function and positively affects obesity-related markers, thereby supporting the probiotic benefits of B420. More extensive clinical trials are needed to verify these effects in larger populations and to further clarify the underlying mechanisms.*[10]

Fitties encases FitProbio+ capsules in sealed, nitrogen-purged blister packs to shield the probiotics from factors like heat, moisture, and oxygen that can affect their stability. Additionally, Fitties employs DRcaps™ gastro-resistant capsules to enhance resistance to low pH levels and ensure the delivery of microorganisms to the small intestines. These specially designed capsules aid in moderating the exposure of active ingredients to stomach acid, promoting a more targeted release.*

†Also referred to in more recent literature as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis.

Reference

1. Singh VP, Sharma J, Babu S, et al. Role of probiotics in health and disease: a review. J Pak Med Assoc. 2013 Feb;63(2):253-7. [PMID: 23894906]
2. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Working Group on Drafting Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. FAO; London, ON, Canada. 30 April–1 May 2002. https://www. who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/en/probiotic_guidelines.pdf. Accessed December 11, 2018.
3. Wilkins T, Sequoia J. Probiotics for gastrointestinal conditions: a summary of the evidence. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Aug 1;96(3):170-178. [PMID: 28762696]
4. Markowiak P, Śliżewska K. Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health. Nutrients. 2017 Sep 15;9(9). pii: E1021. [PMID: 28914794]
5. Sanders M, Merenstein C, Merrifield C, et al. Probiotics for human use. Nutrition Bulletin. 2018 Sept;43(3):212–225. doi: 10.1111/nbu.12334. https://onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nbu.12334. Accessed December 11, 2018.
6. Kadooka Y, Sato M, Imaizumi K, et al. Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jun;64(6):636-43. [PMID: 20216555]
7. Stenman LK, Lehtinen MJ, Meland N, et al. Probiotic with or without fiber controls body fat mass, associated with serum zonulin, in overweight and obese adultsrandomized controlled trial. EBioMedicine. 2016 Nov;13:190-200. [PMID: 27810310]
8. Putaala H, Salusjärvi T, Nordström M, et al. Effect of four probiotic strains and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on tight junction integrity and cyclo-oxygenase expression. Res Microbiol. 2008 Nov-Dec;159(9-10):692-8. [PMID: 18783733]
9. Stenman LK, Waget A, Garret C, et al. Potential probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 prevents weight gain and glucose intolerance in diet-induced obese mice. Benef Microbes. 2014 Dec;5(4):437-45. [PMID: 25062610]
10. Hibberd AA, Yde CC, Ziegler ML, et al. Probiotic or synbiotic alters the gut microbiota and metabolism in a randomised controlled trial of weight management in overweight adults. Benef Microbes. 2018 Dec 10:1-16. [PMID: 30525950]