Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 on glucose metabolism, with moderate effect sizes in two meta-analyses. The evidence primarily comes from pregnant women, particularly those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), though study durations and doses were not consistently reported. Two of the four studies reported statistically significant improvements in fasting glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance.
- Studied populations: pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive (4 of 4 beneficial) — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Study duration and dose were not reported in most studies, limiting the ability to draw practical recommendations. The effects were most clearly observed in pregnant women with GDM; generalizability to other populations is uncertain.
Generated Jun 11, 2026