Early pregnancy probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes: a randomised controlled trial.

Early pregnancy probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess whether supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) can reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in New Zealand (Wellington and Auckland). GDM at 24-30 weeks was assessed using the IADPSG definition (fasting glucose ≥5.1mmol/L, or post 75g glucose level at 1 hour of ≥10mmol/L or 2 hours ≥8.5mmol/L) and NZ definition (fasting glucose ≥5.5mmol/L or 2 hours post 75g glucose level ≥9mmol/L).

HN001 was associated with lower rates of GDM in women aged ≥35 years (p=0.009) and women with a history of GDM (p=0.004). Using the NZ definition, GDM prevalence was significantly lower in the HN001 group, 2.1%, (95% CI 0.6–5.2), vs 6.5% (95% CI 3.5–10.9) in the placebo group, p=0.03.

HN001 supplementation from 14-16 weeks gestation may reduce the prevalence of GDM, particularly among older women and those with prior GDM.