Study looks at effect of probiotic capsule intervention on metabolic health among women with GDM

In a study to be presented on Feb. 5 in an oral concurrent session at 1:15 p.m. PST, at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting™, in San Diego, researchers will report on the effect of a probiotic capsule intervention on maternal metabolic parameters and pregnancy outcomes among women with gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is among the most frequent metabolic complications of pregnancy. Research into new therapies for glucose control may be of significant benefit for future GDM management. Probiotics (live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit on the host), potentially represent a new and novel mechanism for influencing metabolic health during pregnancy. Only three randomized controlled trials to date have directly investigated the glycemic effects of probiotics in pregnancy, but none specifically investigated the effects among women with GDM.

The study, titled Impact of Probiotics in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Metabolic Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial, investigated the effect of a daily probiotic supplement versus placebo on fasting glucose, other metabolic parameters and pregnancy outcome among women with a new diagnosis of either impaired glucose tolerance or GDM not treated with pharmacologic therapy. The women were given either a daily probiotic (strain Lactobacillus salivarious UCC118) or placebo capsule from GDM diagnosis until delivery. Among 100 women managed with diet and exercise alone, fasting plasma glucose decreased significantly within both the probiotic and placebo group. This was likely due to improved dietary habits following healthy lifestyle advice, which was delivered to all women as part of routine care.

The study concluded that a probiotic capsule intervention among women with abnormal glucose tolerance had no impact on control of sugars. However, a significant reduction of the normal pregnancy-related rise in total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo was observed.

"This study indicates a potential role in probiotics to improve the metabolic profile of an obstetric group at risk of future metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease," explained Fionnuala McAuliffe, M.D., senior principal investigator, chair and professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University College Dublin. Karen Lindsay, Ph.D., who conducted the research trial will present the study at the SMFM annual meeting.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Diabetes drugs cut asthma attacks by up to 70%, reshaping treatment options