Effects of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation on body weight in patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized-controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation on anthropometric measures in adults with diabetes, independent of body weight. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up until December 14, 2022. The effect sizes were pooled using an inverse-variance random-effects model. The methodological quality of studies as well as the quality of evidence was assessed using standard tools. RESULTS: Thirty-two RCTs met the established inclusion criteria. Overall, compared with the respective control groups, probiotic/synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in body weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.50 kg; 95% CI: -0.83, -0.17; I(2) = 79.8%, n = 27 studies]), body mass index (WMD: -0.24 kg/m(2); 95% CI: -0.39, -0.09; I(2) = 85.7%, n = 30 studies), and waist circumference (WMD: -0.90 cm; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.52; I(2) = 0%, n = 11 studies). However, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio were not significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis revealed that probiotic/synbiotic supplementation may assist with weight management in patients with diabetes, especially when consumed at higher doses, in younger adults, and in participants with obesity. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of specific strains of probiotics/synbiotics. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12902-023-01338-x.