A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Probiotic Species on Iron Absorption and Iron Status.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
PubMed 31816981 · doi:10.3390/nu11122938
What was done
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines evaluating the effect of probiotics on human iron absorption and iron status markers. Searches were conducted across Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL up to February 2019. Fifteen studies across 12 articles were identified (N = 950). Eight studies assessing the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) were pooled for a meta-analysis on iron absorption, while seven randomized and non-randomized trials assessing various probiotic species on iron status indices were reviewed.
What was found
Meta-analysis of eight studies showed that Lp299v significantly increased iron absorption compared to control, with a pooled standardized mean difference of 0.55 (95% CI 0.22–0.88, p = 0.001). Among seven trials examining clinical iron status markers, only one trial supplementing Lp299v showed an improvement in serum iron, while no other studies showed improvement in iron status indices.
Why it matters
Supplementation with specific probiotic strains like Lp299v can enhance acute iron absorption, presenting a potential adjunct strategy for iron deficiency, though clinical translation to improved systemic iron stores requires further verification.
Limits
The meta-analysis on absorption was restricted to a single strain (Lp299v), preventing generalization to other probiotics. Broader iron status evaluations included non-randomized trials, showed inconsistent biomarker outcomes, and lacked data in key high-risk populations such as pregnant women.
Cited by
- supports Lactobacillus plantarum 299v enhances the body's absorption of non-heme iron.