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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04677738

Investigation of the Effects of a Bifidobacterium Breve Strain on Fat Loss in Healthy Adults

Overweight has become a critical issue in North America and the market value of weight loss products is expected to rise as the population becomes more health-conscious and aware of the risks associated with excess body weight. This randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial investigates the effect of Bifidobacterium breve supplementation with exercise intervention on fat loss.

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Overnutrition Overweight Overweight and Obesity Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

KGK Science Inc

London, Ontario, N6A 5RB, Canada

About this study

In early adulthood, excess body weight is a risk factor associated with several health complications later on in life and probiotics have been used for decades for maintaining intestinal health, and in recent years probiotics have been proposed for weight management. This randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial investigates the effect of Bifidobacterium breve supplementation with exercise intervention on fat loss.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or female between 20 and 65 years of age, inclusive
  • BMI from 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2, inclusive
  • Female participants are not of child-bearing potential, defined as females who have undergone a sterilization procedure (e.g. hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, complete endometrial ablation) or have been post-menopausal (natural or surgically) for at least 1 year prior to screening
  • Or, Females of child-bearing potential must have a negative baseline urine pregnancy test and agree to use a medically approved method of birth control for the duration of the study. All hormonal birth control must have been in use for a minimum of three months. Acceptable methods of birth control include:
  • Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System)
  • Double-barrier method
  • Intrauterine devices
  • Non-heterosexual lifestyle or agrees to use contraception if planning on changing to heterosexual partner(s)
  • Vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to screening
  • Self-reported stable body weight for the past 3 months defined as not having gained or lost more than 5 kg of body weight throughout the 3 months prior to baseline
  • Participants with the following body fat percentages as determined by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA):
  • Female: ≥ 30%
  • Male: ≥ 20%
  • Agrees to follow the diet and exercise guidelines for the duration of the study
  • Willingness to complete questionnaires, records, and diaries associated with the study, to complete all clinic visits, and provide stool samples
  • Provide voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study
  • Healthy as determined by medical history, laboratory results and physical exam as assessed by the Qualified Investigator (QI)

Exclusion criteria

  • Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant during the trial
  • Allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to the investigational product's active or inactive ingredients
  • Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results at screening as assessed by the QI
  • Current or history of any significant gastrointestinal disease requiring medication (e.g. GERD, gastroenteritis)
  • Irregular sleep schedule
  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Participants with hypertension and are on antihypertensive medication
  • Type I or Type II diabetes
  • Participants with hyperlipidemia and are on medication
  • Self-reported sleep apnea
  • Self-reported current or pre-existing thyroid condition. Treatment on a stable dose of medication for at least 3 months will be considered by the QI
  • Unstable metabolic disease or chronic diseases as assessed by the QI
  • History of or current diagnosis with kidney and/or liver diseases as assessed by the QI on a case-by-case basis, with the exception of history of kidney stones in participants who are symptom-free for 6 months
  • Significant cardiovascular event in the past 6 months. Participants with no significant cardiovascular event on stable medication may be included after assessment by the QI on a case by case basis
  • Major surgery in the past 3 months or individuals who have planned surgery during the trial period. Participants with minor surgery will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the QI
  • Cancer, except skin cancers completely excised with no chemotherapy or radiation with a follow up that is negative. Volunteers with cancer in full remission for more than five years after diagnosis are acceptable
  • Individuals with an autoimmune disease or are immune-compromised
  • Self-reported HIV-, Hepatitis B- and/or C-positive diagnosis
  • Blood/bleeding disorders as determined by laboratory results
  • Self-reported mental or neuropsychological condition and/or cognitive impairment that, in the QI's opinion, could interfere with study participation
  • Metal implants that may affect the DXA scan results will be assessed on a case- by-case basis by the QI.
  • Current use of prescribed medications listed in Section Prescribed Medications as follows:
  • Beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Weight loss medication (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Lipid-lowering medications (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Anticoagulants and coagulants (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Sleep medication
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
  • Antibiotics
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  • Metformin (unless on a stable dose for the last 6 months)
  • Current use of over-the-counter medications, supplements, foods and/or drinks as follows:
  • OTC NSAIDs (PRN use is acceptable)
  • OTC blood pressure medication or supplements (within 4 weeks of
  • baseline)
  • Lipid metabolising supplements (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
  • Red yeast rice
  • Plant sterols and stanols
  • OTC medication or supplements marketed for weight loss (within 4 weeks
  • of baseline)
  • Vitamin E supplements (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • Coagulant/anticoagulant supplements (within 4 weeks of baseline)
  • PPIs
  • Use of cannabinoid products within 60 days of baseline. History of cannabis used will be assessed on a case by case basis by the QI
  • Use of tobacco products within 60 days of baseline
  • Self-reported alcohol or drug abuse within the last 12 months
  • High alcohol intake (average of > 2 standard drinks per day or > 10 per week)
  • Current employment that calls for shift work or have worked shift work in the last 3 weeks
  • Participation in other clinical research trials 30 days prior to screening
  • Blood donation 30 days prior to screening, during the study, or a planned donation within 30-days of the last study visit
  • Individuals who are unable to give informed consent
  • Any other condition, that, in the opinion of the QI, may adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures, or which may pose a significant risk to the participant

Treatment and study plan

B. breve strain

Dietary Supplement

Probiotic capsule. Participants will be instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo for 4 weeks during the run-in period. On day 1 participants will be instructed to take 2 capsules of B. breve strain in the morning before breakfast for 12 weeks.

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

Placebo capsule. Participants will be instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo for 4 weeks during the run-in period. On day 1 participants will be instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo in the morning before breakfast for 12 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Fat Loss (g)

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change in fat loss from baseline (g), as assessed by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), between B. breve and placebo after 12 weeks of supplementation. Body tissue density will be measured by a form of X-ray radiation and converted into body fat and muscle mass percentage for assessment

  2. Change in Fat Loss (Percentage of Body Weight)

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change in fat loss from baseline (percentage of body weight), as assessed by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), between B. breve and placebo after 12 weeks of supplementation. Body tissue density will be measured by a form of X-ray radiation and converted into body fat and muscle mass percentage for assessment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Body Weight

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in body weight after 12 weeks of supplementation

  2. BMI

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in BMI after 12 weeks of supplementation

  3. Android/Gynoid Fat Ratio

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in android/gynoid fat ratio as assessed by DXA after 12 weeks of supplementation. Android-gynoid percent fat ratio is a pattern of body fat distribution that is associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome in healthy adults.

    The measurement of android/gynoid fat ratio is defined as the ratio of the percentage of android fat to the percentage of gynoid fat.

  4. Muscle Mass (g)

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in muscle mass (g) as assessed by DXA after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  5. Muscle Mass (Percentage of Body Weight)

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in muscle mass (percentage of body weight) as assessed by DXA after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  6. Waist Circumference

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in Waist circumference after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation.

  7. Hip Circumference

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in hip circumference after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation.

  8. Waist/Hip Circumference Ratio

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in waist/hip circumference ratio after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation.

    The waist/hip circumference ratio is defined as the percentage of waist circumference to hip circumference. The change in waist/hip circumference ratio from baseline to week 12 was calculated.

  9. Microbiota Analysis: Shannon Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    Alpha diversity at baseline and after 12-week intake were calculated by R. Alpha diversity index is usually unitless since it is a numerical value calculated by a mathematical formula, not a physical quantity.

    The Shannon Index (or Shannon-Wiener/Shannon-Weaver index) is a widely used metric in ecology to quantify alpha diversity, which measures both species richness and evenness.

    The value of the Shannon Index ranges from a minimum of zero, when there is only one species present (no diversity), to a maximum of ln(S), the natural logarithm of the total number of species (richness) to the base of Euler's number (e), which means all species are equally abundant. High values indicate a diverse, balanced community.

  10. Microbiota Analysis: Chao1 Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    Alpha diversity at baseline and after 12-week intake were calculated by R. Alpha diversity index is usually unitless since it is a numerical value calculated by a mathematical formula, not a physical quantity.

    The Chao1 Index estimates total species richness, including rare/undetected species.

    The value of the Chao1 Index ranges from a minimum, close to zero (suggesting reduced richness, often observed in dysbiosis) to a theoretically unbounded maximum, as it depends on rare species. Higher values indicate greater estimated species richness, generally associated with a healthier gut microbiome, linked to resilience, metabolic versatility, and protection against pathogens.

  11. Microbiota Analysis: Evenness Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    Alpha diversity at baseline and after 12-week intake were calculated by R. Alpha diversity index is usually unitless since it is a numerical value calculated by a mathematical formula, not a physical quantity.

    The Evenness Index measures how evenly individuals are distributed among species in a community, such as the gut microbiome. It complements species richness (the number of species) to describe diversity, ranging from 0 (only a single species, meaning there is no evenness.) to 1, where 1 indicates perfect evenness, meaning all species are equally abundant.

    Higher Evenness Index value (closer to 1) is generally considered better, as it suggests a more balanced and stable ecosystem. Conversely, lower value (closer to 0) is generally considered worse, as it suggests that a few species dominate the community, which can be associated with dysbiosis or an unhealthy gut microbiome.

  12. Microbiota Analysis: Observed ASV Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    Alpha diversity at baseline and after 12-week intake were calculated by R. Alpha diversity index is usually unitless since it is a numerical value calculated by a mathematical formula, not a physical quantity.

    Observed ASV (Amplicon Sequence Variants) Index refers to the number of distinct Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) detected in a sample. ASVs are highly resolved sequences used to identify and differentiate microbial taxa, providing finer resolution than traditional Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs).

    The range of Observed ASV Index in gut microbiome samples can range from a few hundred to several thousand, depending on several factors, including sample source, health status of the host, diet and lifestyle, as well as sequencing depth and methodology. Typically, higher Observed ASV Index indicates a more diverse microbial community, which can contribute to improved gut function and overall health.

  13. Microbiota Analysis: Faith's PD Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    Alpha diversity at baseline and after 12-week intake were calculated by R. Alpha diversity index is usually unitless since it is a numerical value calculated by a mathematical formula, not a physical quantity.

    Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity (PD) is a measure used in ecology to quantify the biodiversity of a sample based on the phylogenetic tree. In the context of the gut microbiome, it specifically measures the diversity of microbial species by considering both the number of species present (richness) and the phylogenetic differences between them.

    In practice, the values can range from very low (close to zero, indicating low microbial diversity linked to various health issues) to very high (indicates greater evolutionary diversity, which may enhance ecosystem resilience and is generally considered better in the context of gut microbiome health.).

  14. Change in Weight in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in weight in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  15. Change in Body Mass Index in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in body mass index in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  16. Change in Total Body Fat (g) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in total body fat (g) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  17. Change in Total Body Fat (% of Body Weight) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in total body fat (%) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  18. Change in Muscle Mass (g) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in muscle mass (g) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  19. Change in Muscle Mass (% of Body Weight) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in muscle mass (%) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  20. Change in Android Fat (g) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in android fat (g) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  21. Change in Android Fat (% of Android Tissue) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in android fat (%) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  22. Change in Gynoid Fat (g) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in gynoid fat (g) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  23. Change in Gynoid Fat (% of Gynoid Tissue) in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in gynoid fat (%) in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  24. Change in Android:Gynoid Fat Ratio in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in android:gynoid fat ratio in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  25. Change in Waist Circumference in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in waist circumference in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  26. Change in Hip Circumference in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in hip circumference, in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  27. Change in Waist:Hip Circumference Ratio in Participant Groups Classified by Microbiota Composition at Week 0

    Time frame: 12 weeks from baseline

    The change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in waist:hip circumference ratio in participant groups classified by microbiota composition at week 0, after 12 weeks of supplementation. These individual outcomes comprise relevant aspects of body composition. Each outcome will be analyzed separately and interpreted separately as well as collectively to inform relevant changes to body composition as a whole during the study.

  28. Total Cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in total cholesterol after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  29. HDL-cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in HDL-cholesterol after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  30. LDL-cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in LDL-cholesterol after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  31. Triglycerides

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in triglycerides after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  32. Fasting Blood Glucose

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in fasting blood glucose after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  33. HbA1c

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in HbA1c after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  34. Fasting Insulin

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in fasting insulin after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  35. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in ALP after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  36. Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in GGT after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  37. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in ALT after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  38. Aspartate Transaminase (AST)

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in AST after 12 weeks of supplementation.

  39. Frequency of Bowel Movements

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation

    The difference in change from baseline between B. breve and placebo in Frequency of bowel movements after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., LTD

Industry

Collaborators

  • KGK Science Inc.

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Investigate the Effects of a Bifidobacterium Breve Strain on Fat Loss in Healthy Adults

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Dec 21, 2020
Registry last updated
Oct 20, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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