The Effect of Probiotic Food Consumption on Physiological Responses Associated with Regulation of Appetite: a Systematic Review

Conditions involving appetite dysregulation such as anorexia and obesity are detrimental to quality of life whilst being a major burden to the health care system. Novel treatments, such as the use of probiotics, are of increased interest due to their potential to regulate appetite via the modulation of the gut microbiota. Probiotics are living microorganisms that can confer health benefits to the host upon consumption in sufficient numbers. The survival and efficacy of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract may also be assisted with the composition of the food matrix. Despite increasing demand for probiotic foods, there is still a limited understanding of the effects of probiotics delivered in a food matrix on appetite regulation. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic-containing food and beverages on the physiological responses of appetite regulation.