As the popularity of probiotics increases and they become more readily available, Utah State University researchers have obtained a $210,000 grant allowing them to study the potential for this “good bacteria” as possibly the secret to weight loss.

Probiotics are bacteria microbes that are considered to have beneficial health effects when consumed. The microbes live in a person’s intestines and positively affect health — especially digestion-related issues.

People can consume probiotics through foods such as cheese and even homemade sauerkraut, but mainly in live-culture yogurt. Probiotics are also available in a capsule form as a food supplement.

“You see probiotics popping up in a lot of places,” said Robert Ward, an associate professor of nutrition, dietetics and food sciences at Utah State, who is also on the research team.

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