New research in combating body fat

Food scientists at the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (IAFDA) and University College Cork, Ireland, have created friendly bacteria which when added to yoghurt might help shed excess body fat.

According to the research team, these bacteria can alter other bacteria, naturally found in the gut and probiotic yoghurt, to produce a molecule that has been shown to reduce the amount of fat tissue present in the body.

The study findings will be helpful in producing designer probiotic yoghurt and drinks that might help cut obesity risk, the study authors noted.

Lead researcher Catherine Stanton, from the IAFDA, said, "Fat is not an inert layer around our bodies, it is active and pro-inflammatory. It is a risk factor for many diseases, including cancers.

"This work shows that there is potential to influence fat tissue through diet-microbe-host interactions in the gut. It opens up new possibilities for the use of probiotics for improving human health."