Research synthesisHigh evidenceModerate effect6 studies · 6 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 6 studies, all reported beneficial effects of probiotics containing Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 on insulin sensitivity, with a predominantly moderate effect size. Four of the studies achieved statistical significance, and the evidence is drawn largely from meta-analyses and reviews focused on pregnant women and women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Study durations and specific doses for this strain were not consistently reported, but the benefits were most robustly demonstrated in pregnancy-related populations.
- Studied populations: pregnant women, women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Most studies are meta-analyses of probiotics or synbiotics in general, not specifically of Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 alone; therefore, the specific contribution of this strain is confounded by other probiotic strains and synbiotic components. All beneficial evidence comes from pregnancy and gestational diabetes populations, limiting generalizability to other groups.
Generated Jun 11, 2026