Consuming probiotics can reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI), a new study says.

The digestive health benefits of probiotics, so-called 'good bacteria,'  have been widely debated. Probiotic supplements, often added to yogurts, may support general well-being in addition to improving immunity. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of probiotics has been lacking.

A Chinese research team combined the findings of 25 randomized human trials investigating the impact of probiotic consumption on body weight and BMI in over 1,900 healthy adults.

They found taking probiotics reduced BMI and body weight with the greatest reduction in BMI occurring in overweight adults. Interestingly, they also found that more than one type of probiotic and taking probiotics for eight weeks or more resulted in increased weight loss.

Although the amount of weight loss documented was minimal, even a small reduction can have enormous public health benefits by reducing weight-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, the researchers say of the study, which appears in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.