Synbiotic as an adjunctive agent can be useful in the management of hyperglycemia in adults: An umbrella review and meta-research of meta-analysis studies

Abstract

Background: The available evidence about the possible effects of synbiotics on glycemic indices is not conclusive. In this regard, an umbrella meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of providing a better estimate of the overall effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic indices. Methods: The following international databases were systematically searched until January 2022: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results: A meta-analysis of 13 studies revealed a significant decreases in fasting blood sugar (FBS) (ES = -0.40, 95 % CI: −0.64, −0.15; p = 0.002, I2 = 69.2 %, p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) (ES = -0.55; 95 % CI: −0.79, −0.30, p < 0.001, I2 = 48.4 %, p = 0.042), and insulin (ES = -1.58; 95 % CI:-2.50, −0.67; p < 0.001, I2 = 95.0 %, p < 0.001) following synbiotic supplementation. Conclusion: The current umbrella of meta-analyses suggests that synbiotic supplementation can improve FBS, HOMA-IR, and insulin levels. Overall, synbiotics can be recommended as an adjunctive anti-hyperglycemic agent.

Keywords

• Synbiotics
• Glycemic indices
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Meta-analysis