Effect of different kefir dosages on inflammation status, metabolic profile, and anthropometric measurements in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

2026-05
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD 36(5)
- Mohammed Hamsho
- Razan Hawari
- Zehra Yeşil
- Zeina Dakhel
- Derya Dursun Saydam
- Merve Terzi
- Yazan Ranneh

PubMed: 41076330
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2025.104364

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis, comprehensive literature search across Scopus, Embase, and PubMed (up to 25-01, 2025) identified 24 relevant interventional studies from 702 articles. Mean ± SD values were obtained for both intervention and control groups. Forest plots and sub-group analyses by kefir dosage were generated using Cochrane Program Review Manager version 5.4

Aim

Kefir, a traditional fermented milk, is rich in probiotics including, lactic acid producing bacteria and yeasts which act as fermentation starters. Studies have suggested its metabolic health benefits, though findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of kefir consumption on anthropometric measures, metabolic profile, and inflammation.

Data synthesis

A comprehensive literature search across Scopus, Embase, and PubMed (up to 25-01, 2025) identified 24 relevant interventional studies from 702 articles. Mean ± SD values were obtained for both intervention and control groups. Forest plots and sub-group analyses by kefir dosage were generated using Cochrane Program Review Manager version 5.4.

Conclusion

Kefir consumption induced a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose (MD= -8.46 mg/dL, p = 0.006), and HOMA-IR (MD= -1.71, p = 0.004). However, no significant effects were observed on anthropometric measures, lipid profile, or inflammatory markers. In conclusion, regular kefir consumption may improve blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, but further research is needed for definitive recommendations.

Research Insights

Kefir→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
no significant effects were observed on ... lipid profile
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
no significant effects were observed on ... lipid profile
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Body Mass Index
no significant effects were observed on anthropometric measures
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Body Weight
no significant effects were observed on anthropometric measures
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels
no significant effects were observed on ... inflammatory markers
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
Kefir consumption induced a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose (MD= -8.46 mg/dL, p = 0.006)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Kefir→Reduced HOMA-IR
Kefir consumption induced a significant reduction of ... HOMA-IR (MD= -1.71, p = 0.004)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Kefir→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
no significant effects were observed on ... lipid profile
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
no significant effects were observed on ... lipid profile
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Kefir→Reduced Waist Circumference
no significant effects were observed on anthropometric measures
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small