Effects of probiotics in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Probiotics are commonly used after bariatric surgery. However, uncertainty remains regarding their effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of probiotics in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 4, 2023. No language restrictions were applied. Relevant randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included. We used the aggregated data extracted from the trials and assessed the heterogeneity. When severe heterogeneity was detected, a random effect model was used. All stages of the review were done by independent authors. Results We screened 2024 references and included 11 randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials. Compared with the protocol groups, probiotics showed significant effects on regulating aspartate amino transferase level (MD = −4.32 U/L; 95% CI [−7.10, −1.53], p = 0.002), triglycerides (MD = −20.16 mg/dL; 95% CI [−34.51, −5.82], p = 0.006), weight (MD = −1.99 kg; 95% CI [−3.97, −0.01], p = 0.05), vitamin B12 (MD = 2.24 pg/dL; 95% CI [−0.02, 4.51], p = 0.05), dietary energy (MD = −151.03 kcal; 95% CI [−215.68, −86.37], p < 0.00001), dietary protein (MD = −4.48 g/day, 95% CI [−8.76, −0.20], p = 0.04), dietary carbohydrate (MD = −34.25 g/day, 95% CI [−44.87, −23.62], p < 0.00001), and dietary fiber (MD = −2.17 g/day, 95% CI [−3.21, −1.14], p < 0.0001). There were no severe side effects related to probiotics. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggested that probiotics may delay the progression of liver function injury, improve lipid metabolism, reduce weight, and reduce food intake, although the effects on other indicators were insignificant. Probiotics may be helpful for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The review was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews): CRD42023407970. No primary source of funding.