Beneficial metabolic effects of a probiotic via butyrate-induced GLP-1 hormone secretion

Abstract

Background: The prescription of probiotics as obesity and diabetes therapy is limited because of insufficient efficacy data and lack of understanding of their mechanism of action. Results: The probiotic VSL#3 prevents obesity and diabetes in mice via induction of butyrate and GLP-1. Conclusion: Probiotics modulate the gut flora to elicit beneficial metabolic effects. Significance: Administration of probiotics represents a viable treatment option for obesity and diabetes. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.