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New mum? A yoghurt a day…

Posted by Stuart in Health news No comments»

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By Stephanie Matson

…keeps the waistline at bay, according to reports in the Daily Mail.  And new research heralding the power of probiotics suggests the area could well warrant further investigation.

Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that probiotic supplements consumed during the first trimester of pregnancy could help women to lose weight after the infant’s birth. Scientists from the University of Turku in Finland reported that supplements containing Lactobactillus and Bifidobacterium were associated with less central obesity, defined as a BMI of more than 30, or a waist circumference of over 80cm .

It is thought that the bacteria – which is also found in popular probiotic drinks, powders and supplements – break down sugars and carbohydrates preventing the body from storing them as fat, the European Congress was told.  Just one yoghurt administered every day is enough to help, University officials advised.

The study tracked the weight and overall health of 256 pregnant women, who were randomly divided into three groups during the first trimester of pregnancy.  Two groups received dietary counselling consistent with current recommendations, and one of these received probiotic supplements, while the other group was provided with placebo capsules.  The third group received placebo capsules and no counselling.

A year after giving birth, mothers who received the probiotics were leaner overall, with lower average body fat percentages and less propensity to exhibit a protruding stomach.  Central obesity was also recorded in 18 per cent fewer women in the probiotic group than women who received placebo plus dietary counselling, and 15 per cent fewer women in the control group.

Researchers involved in the trial are now following the health of the children born during the study, to ascertain if bacteria exposure early in life boosts overall health.  We eagerly await their findings.