AUTHOR=Cho Eunbyul , Kim Ju Young , Cho Belong , Lee Joong Su , Yoon Yeo Cho , Shin Yong Chul , Kim Hyerim , Gil Siye , Kim Sohye 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1148512

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2023.1148512

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>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 <italic>Bacillus coagulans</italic> 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.</p></sec><sec><title>Objectives</title><p>This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Curezyme–LAC, an ingredient mixed with six-grain types fermented by <italic>B. coagulans</italic>, in reducing fat mass in adults with obesity.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study, 100 participants [aged 40–65 years; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to ≤ 33 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) were randomly allocated to two groups: 4 g/day Curezyme–LAC administered as a granulated powder or placebo (steamed grain powder mixture).</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>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 cm<sup>2</sup> ± 5.1) vs. (6.8 cm<sup>2</sup> ± 3.4; <italic>p</italic> = 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, <italic>p</italic> = 0.011), body weight (−0.4 ± 0.3 kg vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 kg, <italic>p</italic> = 0.021), BMI (−0.14 ± 0.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.07, <italic>p</italic> = 0.028), and waist circumference (−0.6 ± 0.2 cm vs. −0.1 ± 0.2 cm, <italic>p</italic> = 0.018) without a change in dietary intake and physical activity.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>Curezyme–LAC supplementation for 12 weeks may benefit individuals with obesity by reducing visceral fat mass.</p></sec>