- There is a research report that the probiotic strain Bi-26 has a positive effect on weight gain in low-birth-weight infants.
- The evidence score is 39, and the reliability is limited.
- This is information relevant to those with a low-birth-weight infant whose weight gain is a concern.
Probiotics refer to microorganisms that, when taken, are said to potentially have a positive effect on health.
They are generally taken in the form of foods or supplements containing specific strains.
It has been suggested that taking the strain Bi-26 may have a positive effect on weight gain.
This study involved a small number of 40 participants. Over a period of 56 days, it compared a group taking Bi-26 (a strain of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis) with a group taking a placebo (an inactive substance with no effect) containing no active ingredient. In other words, this can be described as an investigation into what change a specific strain brings about in weight.
This study was conducted as a Phase III trial (a large-scale verification trial conducted as the final stage of a clinical trial). It is also a randomized controlled trial (a reliable research method in which participants are randomly divided into groups to compare effects). In other words, this is a study equipped with a mechanism for checking whether the result is due to chance.
The purpose of this study was to verify how a specific strain relates to weight gain.
The subjects were 40 low-birth-weight infants. The participants were divided into a group taking the strain Bi-26 and a group taking a placebo (an inactive substance with no effect). This was carried out as a double-blind study (a method in which neither the physician nor the participant knows which is being taken). In other words, this is designed so that the effects of expectation do not come into play.
This study was carried out as a Phase 3 trial (a stage of clinical trial conducted with a large number of participants). This means that the verification was carried out in a form close to real-world usage.
For the indicator showing the degree of weight gain, a higher figure was reported in the group that took Bi-26.
The study tracked progress over a period of 56 days. As a result, the z-score (an indicator of how far a value deviates from a standard value) was 0.78 in the group that took Bi-26. In contrast, the group that took the placebo showed 0.67. In other words, the result shows that the indicator for weight gain was higher in the group that took Bi-26.
The evidence score is 39, and the reliability is limited.
This study is based on only 1 report. The fact that this was a study of a limited scale, with 40 participants, is also thought to be one reason for the lower figure. It can therefore be said that it is difficult to judge everything from this result alone.
There are also limitations to the content of this research. The subjects were limited to low-birth-weight infants, and the observation period was 56 days. In addition, some people will see no effect, and it may not suit everyone depending on constitution.
| Study | Design | Number of Participants | Duration | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Publication unknown (2023) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 40 | 56 days | A positive effect was reported |
This study was conducted on 40 low-birth-weight infants.
Because this research targeted infants, it can be read as reference material when considering information related to infant nutritional status.
This research is based on 1 study.
The study design used is a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
The reliability of the research results is reported as limited.
What effect might taking probiotics have on nutritional status?
There is a study reporting that probiotics have a positive effect on nutritional status. There is 1 study.
Who were the participants in this probiotics study?
It was conducted on 40 low-birth-weight infants. The period was 56 days.
How reliable are the results of this probiotics research?
The reliability of the research results is limited. 1 study is reported.
There is a research report that the probiotic strain Bi-26 has a positive effect on weight gain in low-birth-weight infants. However, the evidence score is 39, the reliability is limited, and there is only 1 study. It should be understood that results vary between individuals, and some people will see no effect.
This information is based on just a single research report. Please also try the self-check diagnostic for nutritional management suited to your own situation.