Synbiotic trial found less visceral fat, without clear broader metabolic changes
The scan result favored a specific formulation, while BMI, waist circumference and blood measures showed no significant changes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The synbiotic reduced scan-measured visceral fat area compared with placebo, but the abstract does not say how large the difference was. Blood biochemistry, BMI and waist circumference showed no statistically significant changes. The findings concern this particular combined formulation and do not establish a broader metabolic benefit or apply to all probiotic products.
The abstract omits the size of the visceral-fat difference and its confidence interval, so practical importance remains unclear. It also does not describe safety outcomes.
What researchers found
Statistical evidence for visceral fat area change
Synbiotic versus placebo, baseline to week 12, measured by DXA. The p-value describes statistical evidence, not the amount of fat lost. The effect size and confidence interval were not reported.
What was actually tested
The product combined probiotic strains, prebiotic ingredients and a chrysanthemum extract. Because these were administered together, the trial cannot identify which ingredient, or combination of ingredients, accounted for the reported visceral-fat result.
Other changes complicate interpretation
The subgroup with lower BMI also had increased fat beneath the skin. Increases in certain gut bacteria were temporary. The reported sex comparison was uncertain, so the abstract does not establish a greater benefit for men.
The original publication
Effects of a novel synbiotic intervention on abdominal visceral fat reductions and gut microbiota in overweight and obese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Li N, Zhu Z, Wu S et al.
Clin Nutr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41512635
- Record checked
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