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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Probiotic Species on Iron Absorption and Iron Status.

  • 2019-12-03
  • Nutrients 11(12)
    • Susan C Vonderheid
    • Lisa Tussing-Humphreys
    • Chang Park
    • Heather Pauls
    • Nefertiti OjiNjideka Hemphill
    • Bazil LaBomascus
    • Andrew McLeod
    • Mary Dawn Koenig

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 950
Population
humans (N = 950)
Methods
systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis; meta-analysis for eight studies examining the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) on iron absorption
  • Rigorous Journal

Background

Strategies to prevent iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have varying effectiveness. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of probiotics on iron absorption and iron status-related markers in humans.

Methods

We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from Embase, Pubmed, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to February, 2019. We conducted a meta-analysis for eight studies examining the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillusplantarum 299v (Lp299v) on iron absorption.

Results

Fifteen studies reported in 12 articles were identified (N = 950). Our meta-analysis of eight studies using a random-effects model demonstrated a significant increase in iron absorption following administration of the probiotic Lp299v with a pooled standardized mean difference (an average intervention effect size) of 0.55 (95% CI 0.22-0.88, p = 0.001). Of the seven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized clinical trials examining a range of probiotic species on iron status, only one study supplementing with Lp299v showed improvement in serum iron; no other studies reported improvement in iron status-related indices with probiotic treatment.

Conclusions

Lp299v significantly improved iron absorption in humans. Future research should include the assessment of Lp299v effect on iron absorption and iron status in populations at high risk of IDA, including pregnant women.

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