title: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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 18-40years, 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 (2×10(9)CFU/g), L. casei (2×10(9)CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2×10(9)CFU/g) for 6weeks. 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 6weeks of intervention, probiotic supplementation vs a placebo resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (-9.2±9.2mg/dL vs +1.1±12.2mg/dL, P<0.001), serum insulin levels (-0.8±3.1μIU/mL vs +4.5±10.6μIU/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±59.4mg/dL vs +27.1±37.9mg/dL, P=0.03) and VLDL cholesterol concentrations (-0.3±11.9mg/dL vs +5.4±7.6mg/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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the results of our study have demonstrated that taking probiotic supplements for 6weeks in patients with GDM had beneficial effects on glycaemic control, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol concentrations, although there was no effect on other lipid profiles.
authors.affiliation: Department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karamali
authors.affiliation: Department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dadkhah
authors.affiliation: Department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadrkhanlou
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology and metabolism research center, department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Arak university of medical sciences, Arak, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jamilian
authors.affiliation: Department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine, Bushehr university of medical sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.affiliation: Faculty member of science department, science faculty, Islamic Azad university, Tehran Central branch, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tajabadi-Ebrahimi
authors.affiliation: Department of microbiology, science faculty, Islamic Azad university, Arak branch, Arak, Iran.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jafari
authors.affiliation: Research center for biochemistry and nutrition in metabolic diseases, Kashan university of medical sciences, Kashan, Iran. Electronic address: asemi_r@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Asemi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects*; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007779:Lactobacillus acidophilus; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D010919:Placebos; D011247:Pregnancy; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D010919:Placebos
keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus; Insulin resistance; Lipid profiles; Probiotic supplementation