A New Clinical Trial in Moderately Stressed, Healthy Overweight Adults
The new clinical study developed by AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics highlights the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP® 051 as a next-generation solution targeting both body composition and emotional wellbeing through the gut–brain axis.
Published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, this study reinforces the growing role of psychobiotics—probiotic strains capable of influencing mental health via microbiome modulation—and suggests their applications may extend beyond mood to support healthy weight management.
Exploring the Link Between Metabolism and Mental Wellbeing
L. plantarum KABP® 051 shares the genetic profile with AB-BIOTICS and Kaneka Probiotics’ Mindbiome® strain, which has previously been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety by modulating neuroactive compounds including serotonin. To further investigate this connection, researchers conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 60 healthy overweight adults (BMI 25–35) with moderate stress levels. Participants received either L. plantarum KABP® 051 (1 x 109 CFU/day) or placebo over 12 weeks, without being placed on restrictive diet or exercise regimens.
Significant Improvements in Body Composition
After 12 weeks of supplementation, participants receiving KABP® 051 showed measurable improvements compared to placebo, including:
- Reduction in body weight (approximately −2.4%)
- Decrease in waist circumference (−2.15 cm)
- Reduction in body fat percentage compared to placebo
Although modest, these changes are considered clinically meaningful and are associated with improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health parameters.
Mood and Energy Benefits through the Gut–Brain Axis
In addition to metabolic outcomes, the study demonstrated notable effects on emotional wellbeing. Participants receiving KABP® 051 showed reductions in fatigue and confusion scores, as measured by the validated Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire.
These results were accompanied by a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance, reflecting a positive modulation of gut microbiota composition.
Miquel Angel Bonachera, Executive Director and Co-Founder of AB‑BIOTICS, commented:
“Body weight and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and both are strongly influenced by the gut microbiome. This research demonstrates how these connections can be harnessed to deliver meaningful improvements in both body composition and mood with a single intervention like L. plantarum KABP® 051. For many consumers, weight management is as much about feeling more energised and mentally well as it is about physical outcomes. By improving mood and energy levels through the gut–brain axis, this strain may help support long-term adherence to healthier lifestyle habits.“
Unpublished in vitro insights also suggest that KABP® 051 may stimulate GLP‑1 production, a hormone involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, providing a potential mechanistic link to the observed effects.
Driving the Next Generation of Psychobiotics
The results support a more holistic approach to weight management, where microbiome modulation may influence both physiological and behavioural outcomes. Together, these findings reinforce the positioning of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP® 051 as a next-generation probiotic solution bridging metabolic health and mental wellbeing.
Interested in developing your own product with L. plantarum KABP® 051? Contact our team at hello@ab-biotics.com to explore partnership opportunities.