Effect of probiotic yogurt on short-chain fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Gallo Ruelas, Mariano
Gomez-Herrera, Gian Pierre
Albornoz-Pinedo, Andrea
Romero-Robles, Milton A
Rojas-Limache, Gabriela
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production by fermented foods is a promising health strategy regarding inflammation and oxidative stress regulation. However, there is uncertainty whether probiotic yogurt is truly superior to conventional yogurt. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate current evidence on the effect of probiotic yogurt on SCFAs, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers. A systematic literature search was performed up to December 2025 on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and LILACS. Only randomized controlled trials and crossover studies were included. A random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) was performed. A total of 15326 articles were selected. After full-text review, 33 trials were considered. Pooled analysis showed a statistically significant
increase in fecal acetate levels (SMD 0.29; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.57). No significant differences were found for propionate, butyrate, and total SCFAs. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences between study design in acetate and butyrate. Similarly, no significant difference was found for C-reactive protein (SMD -0.61; 95% CI: -2.25; 1.03) and oxidative stress biomarkers. In contrast, interleukin-10 showed a significant increase (SMD 0.48; 95% CI: 0.15; 0.80). Current evidence comparing probiotic yogurt with conventional yogurt is very limited. Preliminary findings suggest increments of clinically uncertain relevance in fecal acetate levels and interleukin-10. However, due to the very low certainty of the evidence, superiority over conventional yogurt is uncertain. Further trials are needed to standardize follow-up time, doses and to address possible effect modification by study design.
increase in fecal acetate levels (SMD 0.29; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.57). No significant differences were found for propionate, butyrate, and total SCFAs. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences between study design in acetate and butyrate. Similarly, no significant difference was found for C-reactive protein (SMD -0.61; 95% CI: -2.25; 1.03) and oxidative stress biomarkers. In contrast, interleukin-10 showed a significant increase (SMD 0.48; 95% CI: 0.15; 0.80). Current evidence comparing probiotic yogurt with conventional yogurt is very limited. Preliminary findings suggest increments of clinically uncertain relevance in fecal acetate levels and interleukin-10. However, due to the very low certainty of the evidence, superiority over conventional yogurt is uncertain. Further trials are needed to standardize follow-up time, doses and to address possible effect modification by study design.
Editor(s)
Reto, Asmis
Date Acceptance
2026-03-05
Citation
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
ISSN
0955-2863
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1484-4581
Subjects
Biomarkers
Functional Food
Probiotics
Systematic Review
Yogurt
Short-chain fatty acids
Publication Status
Accepted
Coverage Spatial
Peru