Does probiotic ingestion reduce the risk of preeclampsia? A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #pregnancy #eating #pre-eclampsia

Does probiotic ingestion reduce the risk of preeclampsia? A systematic review

Valiati et al., 2024 | Appl Physiol Nutr Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Valiati Nayara, Puel Esthela M, ... Lataro Renata M. Does probiotic ingestion reduce the risk of preeclampsia? A systematic review. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024-Feb-01;49(2):135-147. doi:10.1139/apnm-2023-0089

Abstract

We aimed to systematically review the literature on the effects of probiotic consumption on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) development. Eight databases, clinical trial registries, and grey literature were searched until February 2022. Studies were included if they (1) were randomized clinical trials (RCTs), (2) included pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years old, (3) used probiotics products, and (4) were written in the Latin alphabet. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the risk ratio as the effect measure with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PE. The search strategy identified 359 records, from which six RCTs were included. The six RCTs evaluated pregnant women with comorbidities and enrolled 593 women that received probiotics and 625 receiving placebo. None of the included RCTs analyzed healthy women. Probiotics increased by 12% the PE risk (RR 1.12, 95% CI, CI = 0.83-1.53, p = 0.46, χ2 = 3.31, df = 5 (p = 0.65), I2 = 0%). The certainty of the evidence, evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, was rated as very low. In conclusion, probiotics supplementation may slightly increase PE rates in pregnant women with comorbidities. The risk may be higher in obese women and for periods of ingestion longer than eight weeks. However, the evidence certainty is very low. PROSPERO registration No.CRD42021278611.

Key Findings

PROSPERO registration No.CRD42021278611.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant women
Sample Size 593
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Eating
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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