Effect of probiotics supplementation on disease progression, depression, general health, and anthropometric measurements in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

What this study found

Probiotic supplementation improved disability, depressive symptoms, and general health in RRMS, but did not significantly change BMI. Pooled analyses across three trials showed lower EDSS (WMD -0.43; 95% CI -0.65 to -0.20; P < .001), GHQ (WMD -4.37; 95% CI -6.43 to -2.31; P < .001), and BDI-II scores (WMD -3.22; 95% CI -4.38 to -2.06; P < .001). BMI was unchanged (WMD 0.04; 95% CI -0.92 to 1.00; P = .939).

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 randomized clinical trials in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, conducted entirely in Iran.

Intervention

Adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis received probiotic capsules, generally 2 x 10^9 CFU/day once daily for 12 to 16 weeks in three trials and 4 x 10^9 CFU/day in one trial for 24 weeks.

Key limitation

Evidence is based on only 4 small trials, all conducted in Iran, which limits generalizability.

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