Probiotic yogurt improves body mass index and fasting insulin levels without affecting serum leptin and adiponectin levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

There is evidence of possible beneficial effects of probiotic products in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here the effects of probiotic yogurt consumption on obesity values, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and serum leptin and adiponectin levels in NAFLD patients were investigated by a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. Seventy-two subjects, aged between 23 and 63 years, were divided into two groups. Subjects consumed either 300 g/day of probiotic yogurt or 300 g/day of conventional yogurt for 8 weeks. Probiotic yogurt consumption resulted in a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, and serum levels of fasting insulin as compared with that in the control group. No significant changes were observed in waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, serum leptin, adiponectin, and leptin to adiponectin ratio in both groups. Our study suggests that probiotic yogurt consumption improved body mass index and insulin levels and may be applicable in reducing risk factors of NAFLD.