The Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Body Composition, Recovery Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Publisher Pubmed



Shirkoohi NM^{1, 2} ; Mohammadi H¹ ; Gallaly DQ³ ; Djafarian K^{1, 2}
Source: Physiological Reports Published:2025

Abstract

The goal of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a definitive assessment of the impacts of probiotic supplementation on body composition, recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, and exercise performance in individuals actively participating in exercise. A thorough literature search encompassing Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to May 2024. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each outcome were estimated using a random-effects model. The certainty of the assessments was further evaluated utilizing the GRADE approach. The pooled analysis showed a significant effect of probiotics on body weight [(WMD = −0.55 kg; 95% CI, −0.98 to −0.13; p = 0.010)], percent body fat [(WMD = −0.46%; 95% CI, −0.83 to −0.09; p = 0.014)], creatine kinase [(WMD = −45.57 IU. L−1; 95% CI: −65.12, −26.02; p = 0.000)], and VO2max [(WMD = 1.55 mL/kg−1/min−1; 95% CI, 0.61 to 2.49; p = 0.001)]. Despite this, no significant effects were observed on body mass index, lean body mass, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin levels. Probiotic supplementation can have significant effects on body composition and exercise performance. Due to the moderate-to-low certainty of evidence, further studies are warranted. © 2025 The Author(s). Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.