Hormonal

Administration of the probiotic VSL#3 prevents and reverses diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice by increasing gut flora-derived butyrate, which stimulates GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L-cells, thereby reducing food intake and improving glucose tolerance.

This research suggests that specific probiotic formulations (like VSL#3) may help manage weight and blood sugar by boosting gut bacteria that produce butyrate. Butyrate then triggers the release of GLP-1, a hormone that reduces appetite and improves glucose handling. While promising in mice, this is not yet a standard human treatment, and individual results may vary based on existing gut microbiome composition.