Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Background To our knowledge, data on the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid concentrations in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are scarce. Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in GDM patients. Methods Sixty pregnant women with GDM, primigravida and aged 18–40 years, were divided into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules ( n = 30) or a matching placebo ( n = 30) in this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients in the probiotic group took a daily capsule that contained three viable freeze-dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 × 109 CFU/g), L . casei (2 × 109 CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2 × 109 CFU/g) for 6 weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study to quantify the relevant markers. Results After 6 weeks of intervention, probiotic supplementation vs a placebo resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (−9.2 ± 9.2 mg/dL vs +1.1 ± 12.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001), serum insulin levels (−0.8 ± 3.1 μIU/mL vs +4.5 ± 10.6 μIU/mL, P = 0.01), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (−0.4 ± 0.9 vs +1.1 ± 2.5, P = 0.003) and HOMA for β-cell function (+1.1 ± 9.8 vs +18.0 ± 42.5, P = 0.03), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.007 ± 0.01 vs −0.01 ± 0.02, P = 0.007). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (−1.6 ± 59.4 mg/dL vs +27.1 ± 37.9 mg/dL, P = 0.03) and VLDL cholesterol concentrations (−0.3 ± 11.9 mg/dL vs +5.4 ± 7.6 mg/dL, P = 0.03) were seen following supplementation with the probiotics compared with the placebo. However, no significant changes in other lipid profiles were seen with the intervention. Conclusion Overall, the results of our study have demonstrated that taking probiotic supplements for 6 weeks in patients with GDM had beneficial effects on glycaemic control, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol concentrations, although there was no effect on other lipid profiles.