Research paper
Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Study answer
What this study found
Overall, probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation improved several metabolic markers in women with PCOS. Pooled results showed lower insulin resistance indices, including HOMA-IR, FPG, and FINS, with higher QUICKI, and improved lipid profiles, including lower TG, TC, LDL-c, and VLDL-c. The interventions did not significantly change anthropometric indices or CRP. Subgroup analyses suggested probiotics were more effective for insulin resistance and prebiotics for lipid outcomes, with larger effects seen at longer durations and higher probiotic doses.
- Study & population
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials including 1049 women with PCOS, most diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria.
- Intervention
- This systematic review evaluated probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Key limitation
- The meta-analysis was limited by substantial heterogeneity across trials, varied supplement formulations and doses, and mostly short intervention durations.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Abstract This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on insulin resistance (IR), lipid profiles, anthropometric indices, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level…