Effects of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> KABP051 Probiotic on Body Composition, Microbiome and Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults

ABSTRACT Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain ( Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, non-depressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic ( L. plantarum KABP051; 1 billion cfu/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared to placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97±0.77 (mean±SE) kg and 2.15±0.81 (mean±SE) cm vs. placebo at the end of the intervention (both p&lt; 0.05, MMRM and post-hoc analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus spp. vs. placebo. Body fat percentage, POMS fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared to placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in post-hoc analysis (p=0.015, p=0.014 and p=0.016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria ( L. plantarum KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen.