The effect of psyllium consumption on anthropometric indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of
Zeinab Gholami1,2, Zamzam Paknahad3
1School of Nutrition and Food Science, Students' Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Background:
The available evidence suggests that psyllium may have a beneficial effect on anthropometric indices. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of psyllium consumption on various anthropometric indices, including Waist-to-Hip Ratio, BMI, Waist Circumference, and body weight.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, searching databases such as Scopus, the Information Sciences Institute Web of Science, and PubMed for relevant articles published between March 15, 2022, and July 22, 2025.
Results:
The review includes 27 randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effects of psyllium husk on the anthropometric parameters mentioned above in adults. The findings indicate that psyllium significantly increased body weight, with a WMD of 3.57 (95% confidence intervals: 1.43, 5.72; p-value < 0.05). However, there was a non-significant decrease in BMI, with a WMD of -0.06 (95% confidence intervals: -0.68, 0.55; p-value > 0.05), and a non-significant decrease in WHR, with a WMD of -0.10 (95% confidence intervals: -0.34, 0.12; p-value > 0.05). Additionally, there was a non-significant increase in WC, with a WMD of 0.72 (95% confidence intervals: -0.93, 2.37; p-value > 0.05).
Conclusion:
In summary, this study found that psyllium significantly increased body weight.
Registration:
The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUI.
Research:
REC.1402.090, Grant number: 140247). This research was registered in the PROSPERO system (CRD42023422744).
More Related Videos
13:09Rapid Model to Evaluate the Anti-Obesity Potential of a Combination of Syzygium aromaticum Clove and Cuminun cyminum Cumin on C57BL6/j Mice Fed High-Fat Diet
Published on: July 31, 2021
04:34Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Atherosclerosis III: Management
