Probiotic safety in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces spp

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#bifidobacterium #female #humans #lactobacillus #pregnancy

Probiotic safety in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces spp

Dugoua et al., 2009 | J Obstet Gynaecol Can | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dugoua Jean-Jacques, Machado Marcio, ... Einarson Thomas R. Probiotic safety in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces spp. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2009-Jun;31(6):542-552. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(16)34218-9

Abstract

Our objective in this study was to review systematically the evidence for safety of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces spp. during pregnancy and to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Eleven databases were searched from inception to September 2007 for RCTs of probiotic use during pregnancy. Two independent reviewers searched databases. Random-effects models combined data. Eleven studies on Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium examined 1505 patients for four outcomes with no data heterogeneity; no miscarriage data were reported. Five studies reported Caesarean section outcomes (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.19). Six studies reported birth weight (weighted difference 45 g; 95% CI -181 to 271). Three studies reported gestational age (weighted difference 0.4 weeks; 95%CI -0.4 to 1.2). No malformations were reported in the probiotic group. No RCTs were available for Saccharomyces during pregnancy. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had no effect on the incidence of Caesarean section, birth weight, or gestational age. The safety of Saccharomyces during pregnancy is unknown.

Key Findings

The safety of Saccharomyces during pregnancy is unknown.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1505
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Bifidobacterium
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Saccharomyces

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09