Efficacy of fermented grain using Bacillus coagulans in reducing visceral fat among people with obesity: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a socioeconomic problem, and visceral obesity, in particular, is related to cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndrome. Fermented grains and various microorganisms are known to help with anti-obesity effects and weight management. Studies on the relationship between Bacillus coagulans and anti-obesity effects are not well known, and studies on the application of fermented grains and microorganisms to the human body are also insufficient.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Curezyme-LAC, an ingredient mixed with six-grain types fermented by B. coagulans, in reducing fat mass in adults with obesity.

Methods: In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study, 100 participants [aged 40-65 years; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to ≤ 33 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to two groups: 4 g/day Curezyme-LAC administered as a granulated powder or placebo (steamed grain powder mixture).

Results: After 12 weeks, visceral adipose tissue decreased significantly in the Curezyme-LAC group compared with that in the placebo group (mean ± standard error, SE of -9.3 cm² ± 5.1) vs. (6.8 cm² ± 3.4; p = 0.008). Compared to the placebo group, the Curezyme-LAC group also showed significant reductions in total fat mass (-0.43 ± 0.24 kg vs. 0.31 ± 0.19 kg, p = 0.011), body weight (-0.4 ± 0.3 kg vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.021), BMI (-0.14 ± 0.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.07, p = 0.028), and waist circumference (-0.6 ± 0.2 cm vs. -0.1 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.018) without a change in dietary intake and physical activity.

Conclusion: Curezyme-LAC supplementation for 12 weeks may benefit individuals with obesity by reducing visceral fat mass.

Keywords: Bacillus coagulans; anti-obesity; fermented grain; visceral fat; weight management.

FIGURE 1

CONSORT diagram for flow of subjects through the study.

FIGURE 2

Changes in body composition, abdominal adipose tissue and anthropometric measurements in individuals receiving Curezyme-LAC group or placebo group. (A) Changes in body composition of total fat mass (kg), (B) changes in body composition of percent body fat (%), (C) changes in body composition of fat mass index, (D) changes in abdominal adipose tissue of visceral adipose tissue area (cm²), (E) changes in anthropometric measures of Body weight (kg), (F) changes in anthropometric measures of body mass index (kg/m²), (G) changes in anthropometric measures of waist circumference (cm), (H) changes in anthropometric measures of hip circumference (cm). Data are expressed as the mean ± SE. Linear mixed-effect model adjusted with institute and MEDFICTS for 12 weeks was used to analyze the group x period (week) for 12 weeks. *Indicates a significant difference from the baseline (p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA Contrast test). **Indicates a significant difference from the baseline (p < 0.01; repeated measures ANOVA Contrast test). ***Indicates a significant difference from the baseline (p < 0.001; repeated measures ANOVA Contrast test).^†Indicates significant differences between the Curezyme-LAC group and the placebo group (p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA Contrast test), ^†⁣†indicate significant differences between the Curezyme-LAC group and the placebo group (p < 0.01; repeated measures ANOVA Contrast test).