Effects of oral supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized trials.

Context: Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may contribute to body weight control.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of oral supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).

Data Sources: Five electronic databases-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library/CENTRAL, LILACS, and Web of Science-were searched from inception to August 2017.

Effects of inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides and related synbiotics on inflammatory markers in adult patients with overweight or obesity: A systematic review.

Background & Aims: Studies in humans with overweight or obesity have reported that some prebiotics and synbiotics have beneficial effects on metabolic endotoxaemia and immune function. However, to date, no systematic review of controlled clinical trials assessed this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides and related synbiotics on inflammatory markers in adults with overweight or obesity.

Effects of Prebiotic and Synbiotic Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Anthropometric Indices After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Randomized, Triple-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study.

Background: Studies have shown that prebiotics and synbiotics modulate the intestinal microbiota and may have beneficial effects on the immune response and anthropometric indices; however, the impact of the use of these supplements after bariatric surgery is not yet known.

Goals: This study investigated the effects of prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers and anthropometric indices in individuals undergoing open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Study: In this randomized, controlled, and triple-blind trial conducted as a pilot study, individuals undergoing RYGB (n=9) and healthy individuals (n=9) were supplemented with 6 g/d of placebo (maltodextrin), prebiotic (fructo-oligosaccharide, FOS), or synbiotic (FOS+Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains) for 15 days.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prebiotics and synbiotics effects on glycaemia, insulin concentrations and lipid parameters in adult patients with overweight or obesity.

Background & Aims: Several studies have reported the effects of prebiotics and synbiotics supplementation in lipid profile and glucose homeostasis, however a pooled analysis of clinical trials that assessed these parameters has not been performed in overweight or obese individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotics and synbiotics on plasma lipid profile, fasting insulin and fasting glucose in adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials were systematically searched before May 2014 in electronic databases and screening reference lists.