There is no New Gut Bacteria Miracle Pill

Hundreds of scientists are studying the role of bacteria in our GI systems to understand their role and to see if there are ways to improve how people feel by altering the bacteria. We recently read through an article about a study to determine if one specific bacteria (or lack of it) could contribute to obesity.

The study involved 32 obese men and women who were given either a bacteria supplement supplement or a placebo for three months. The supplement contains Akkermansia muciniphila, which is less present in people who are overweight. And after the trial, there were some positive results, according to this article. Those who took the supplement “had significantly improved insulin sensitivity and total cholesterol, and decreases in several blood markers of inflammation and liver dysfunction. They also had decreased body weight, fat mass and waist circumference…”

One issue — the lost weight was not “statistically significant.”

So this was a small trial and even those who took the supplement did not lose much weight. But we find it interesting to read about the role of bacteria in health and fitness.

For those who are trying to drop weight there is no better way than eating only healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, protein) and doing some form of cardio every day. See our piece about Sue S, a Cardio High client who rapidly dropped 38 pounds and has been able to keep it off.

-Shane M.