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The Favorable Effect of Prebiotics and Synbiotics on Various Anthropometric Indicators in Pcos Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Publisher



Jafarnejad A ; Pourrajab B ; Mighani S ; Hajiluian G ; Nameni G ; Dabbaghabdollahi P ; Ebrahimi MA ; Eftekharian M
Authors

Source: Clinical Nutrition Open Science Published:2026


Abstract

Background: The current systematic review and meta-analysis purposed to evaluate the effect of prebiotics and synbiotics on anthropometric indices in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) women. Methods: A search was conducted in databases including Embase, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to May 2025. The effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on anthropometric indices were assessed using standardized mean difference (SMD) statistics. The SMDs were pooled together using a random-effects meta-analysis method. Results: A total of twelve publications, including thirteen RCTs, were included in the present meta-analysis. High-quality evidence confirmed the effect of prebiotics or synbiotics in reducing BMI (Body Mass Index) (WMD: -0.63; 95% CI: [-0.98 to -0.28]; P < 0.001), weight (WMD: -1.60; 95% CI: [-2.53 to -0.68]; P = 0.001), and WC (Waist Circumference) (WMD: -2.35; 95% CI: [-3.37 to -1.33]; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a possible reduction in these measures with fiber and synbiotics consumption over an 8-week period. Low-quality evidence for HC (Hip Circumference) and WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio) showed no significant change in PCOS patients following prebiotic or synbiotic consumption. Conclusion: The current study proposed that prebiotics and synbiotics may exert beneficial effects on various anthropometric markers in women with PCOS. It suggests biotics consumption can lead to prominent effects on some anthropometric parameters including weigh, BMI, and WC in PCOS patients. Biotics are suggested as adjunctive therapeutic agents for improving anthropometric indices in overweight and obese adults. However, further well-structured clinical trials are necessary to clarify the specific anti-obesity effects of distinct probiotic strains. © 2026
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