Recommendations to Improve Quality of Probiotic Systematic Reviews With Meta-Analyses

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Clinical Medicine
• Evidence Synthesis and Meta-Analysis

Background:

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on probiotic efficacy frequently yield conflicting results.
• This inconsistency stems from a lack of understanding of unique probiotic trial features, leading to confusion in clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish recommendations for enhancing the quality and consistency of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning probiotics.
• The ultimate goal is to facilitate clearer, evidence-based clinical decisions regarding probiotic use.

Main Methods:

• An updated literature review (January 2020–June 2022) supplemented a prior 2018 search.
• A modified Delphi method was employed by an expert panel of 21 scientists and physicians experienced in probiotic reviews.

Main Results:

• A total of 206 systematic reviews with meta-analysis components were screened.
• The expert panel identified 36 areas for improvement and reached a consensus on 9 key recommendations for future probiotic meta-analyses.

Conclusions:

• Nine consensus-based recommendations are presented to improve the reporting standards of probiotic systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Adherence to these recommendations is expected to enhance the clarity of evidence and support informed clinical practice regarding probiotics.