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More adults are consuming probiotic foods and supplements but the benefits for pregnant women are generally unknown.

 

A sample of Finnish women (n=256), who were receiving intensive dietary counselling in their 1st trimester of pregnancy, were randomised to receive either a probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus plus Bifidobacterium lactis)or a placebo for the remainder of their pregnancy. The women and the researchers were blinded to the type of supplement given.

 

It was found that the women who received probiotics were significantly less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dietary counselling, with or without probiotics, was associated with a reduced risk of large birth weight (a marker of abnormal glucose control during pregnancy). While diet and lifestyle have an important role to play in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, the results from this trial suggest that probiotic supplementation may help to support normal glucose control in pregnant women.

 

For more information see: Luoto R et al. (2010) British Journal of Nutrition [Epub ahead of print].