Work

Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus JYLA-126 improves metabolic outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder in women, is characterized by insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and gut dysbiosis, driving metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. Metformin, though first-line for PCOS, is often limited by gastrointestinal intolerance, reducing adherence. Thus, safe adjuncts are urgently needed to improve metabolic control and treatment tolerability. This trial evaluated whether Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) JYLA-126 could enhance metformin's efficacy and tolerability in women with PCOS.Methods: In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, 100 women (18–40 years) with PCOS, IR, and obesity were randomized to receive metformin plus placebo or metformin plus L. acidophilus JYLA-126. Outcomes included anthropometrics, menstrual regularity, metabolic/hormonal profiles, gut microbiota, and adverse events. Analyses involved t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations.Results: Both groups improved with metformin, but the probiotic group showed greater weight loss and metabolic benefits, including lower fasting glucose (4.97 ± 0.53 vs. 5.53 ± 0.84 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (3.35 ± 1.48 vs. 4.40 ± 2.29, p < 0.05) at 1 month, and more favorable hormonal changes (LH: 7.68 ± 1.15 vs. 8.92 ± 1.79 U/L; AMH: 6.40 ± 1.88 vs. 7.90 ± 2.39 ng/mL, p < 0.05) at 3 months. Favorable shifts in gut microbiota (increased Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus, reduced Collinsella) were also observed. The combination reduced gastrointestinal side effects, and microbiota changes correlated with PCOS/IR biomarkers.Conclusion: L. acidophilus JYLA-126 supplementation may provide additional metabolic, hormonal, and gastrointestinal benefits to metformin therapy in PCOS, supporting its potential as a useful nutritional adjunct.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107061

Authors: Jiarong Kuang, Jie Luo, Xia He, Tao Yu, Yan Zhou, Xinfeng Zhang, Zhaoxia Liu, Tingtao Chen

Language: English

Topic: Ovarian function and disorders

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province, National Key Research and Development Program of China