Early pregnancy probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

The study aims to assess whether supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) can reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel trial was conducted in New Zealand (NZ) (Wellington and Auckland). Pregnant women with a personal or partner history of atopic disease were randomised at 14–16 weeks’ gestation to receive HN001 (6×109 colony-forming units) (n 212) or placebo (n 211) daily. GDM at 24–30 weeks was assessed using the definition of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) (fasting plasma glucose ≥5·1 mmol/l, or 1 h post 75 g glucose level at ≥10 mmol/l or at 2 h ≥8·5 mmol/l) and NZ definition (fasting plasma glucose ≥5·5 mmol/l or 2 h post 75 g glucose at ≥9 mmol/l). All analyses were intention-to-treat. A total of 184 (87 %) women took HN001 and 189 (90 %) women took placebo. There was a trend towards lower relative rates (RR) of GDM (IADPSG definition) in the HN001 group, 0·59 (95 % CI 0·32, 1·08) (P=0·08). HN001 was associated with lower rates of GDM in women aged ≥35 years (RR 0·31; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·81, P=0·009) and women with a history of GDM (RR 0·00; 95 % CI 0·00, 0·66, P=0·004). These rates did not differ significantly from those of women without these characteristics. Using the NZ definition, GDM prevalence was significantly lower in the HN001 group, 2·1 % (95 % CI 0·6, 5·2), v. 6·5 % (95 % CI 3·5, 10·9) in the placebo group (P=0·03). HN001 supplementation from 14 to 16 weeks’ gestation may reduce GDM prevalence, particularly among older women and those with previous GDM.

Effects of probiotic supplements on insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial

“…Indeed, the impact of probiotics on various outcomes has been shown, including dermatological diseases 11 , gastrointestinal diseases [12][13][14] and metabolic disorders 15,16 . Recently, several studies from different countries (i.e., Iran, Ireland and Turkey) have shown the favorable effects of probiotic supplements with diverse compositions and durations of therapy on glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] . However, the impact of probiotics in South-East Asian populations has not been reported.…”

Effect of early probiotic supplementation on childhood cognition, behaviour and mood a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial

“…Depression has been strongly associated with increased immune and inflammatory activation . Lactobacillus rhamnosus has immunological and anti‐inflammatory activity, as we have previously shown by reducing the prevalence of eczema and more recently gestational diabetes mellitus . We found that HN001 halved the risk of developing eczema, but this was not seen with HN019.…”

Is yoghurt an acceptable alternative to raw milk for reducing eczema and allergy in infancy?

“…We have recently completed a randomized controlled trial of maternal supplementation of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001), exploring effects on maternal and infant health. The methodology and the maternal outcomes, gestational diabetes and symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety have recently been published . Briefly, mothers were randomized at 14‐16 weeks of gestation to receive HN001 (6 × 10 9 cfu) or placebo daily during pregnancy and for 6‐month post‐partum while breastfeeding.…”

“…The methodology 1 and the maternal outcomes, gestational diabetes and symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety have recently been published. 2,3 Briefly, mothers were randomized at 14-16 weeks of gestation to receive HN001 (6 9 10 9 cfu) or placebo daily during pregnancy and for 6-month post-partum while breastfeeding. No study treatments were given directly to the infants.…”