ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced new findings from a recent clinical study investigating the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (PRIOME Metabolic Health or PRIOME® MH) in both probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms in adult dogs.
The study resulted in a significant reduction in postprandial blood glucose (blood sugar) levels observed after dogs ate a normal kibble meal, compared with dogs given a placebo, during the weight loss phase.
This suggests the potential role of the strain's postbiotic form in supporting metabolic health.
Measurements were taken to evaluate several hormones, such as GLP-1 and glucagon, which are important for multiple metabolic processes, with differences observed between sexes.
This clinical trial contributes to an expanding body of evidence supporting the role of postbiotics in pet health research, paving the way for further innovation in functional pet nutrition.
"These results mark an important step in advancing our understanding of the potential for postbiotics in metabolic health for pets, a health area that historically has been underserved by biotic ingredients," said Sophie Nixon, Ph., Head of R&D Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Wellbeing at ADM, who oversaw the trial.
"With growing interest in functional ingredients for companion animals, our strain PRIOME MH in its postbiotic form offers exciting capabilities as a dietary supplement to help maintain metabolic health in adult dogs."
"Although postbiotics have long been recognised for their role in gut health, postbiotics such as our strain PRIOME MH are emerging as innovative tools to support metabolic function and overall well-being in companion animals," said Peter Jüsten, Global Vice President, R&D Health & Wellness at ADM.
"These findings add to a growing body of research showing that postbiotics can have targeted physiological effects."
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted in 45 healthy adult dogs, evaluating the impact of daily probiotic or postbiotic supplementation on markers of metabolic health during periods of induced weight gain and weight loss.
Dogs were assigned to one of three groups:
- daily supplementation with 5B CFU PRIOME MH probiotic (n = 15)
- daily supplementation with 5B CFU heat-treated PRIOME MH postbiotic (n = 15)
- daily supplementation with placebo (n = 15) alongside a kibble diet.
The study consisted of two independent phases: a weight gain phase in which dogs were offered 200% of their maintenance energy requirement and a weight-loss phase in which overweight dogs were fed 100% of the maintenance requirements for their ideal weight.
Outcomes measured include body weight, body composition, blood glucose, food intake and gastrointestinal hormones.
Further positive results were seen showing lower blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a biochemical marker of liver function that is increased in obese dogs, compared with the placebo during the weight gain phase.