DuPont Nutrition & Health has released new findings from a clinical study of a synbiotic dietary supplement that it says gives hope to overweight consumers at risk of health complications. Combining the benefits of a probiotic with a prebiotic fibre, HOWARU Shape is said to have 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% less total body fat and 6.7% 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.

Megan DeStefano, global marketing manager, Probiotics, DuPont Nutrition & Health, said: “The favourable 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.”

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 fibre 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.

“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 health-enhancing bacteria strains. Their stability is said to be well documented in dietary supplements as well as in food.