Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Pro-, Pre-, and Synbiotics in Children – No Important Hemoglobin Effect
A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics affect hemoglobin levels and anemia in children. Compared with placebo or standard care, they showed no important effects on hemoglobin, hematocrit, or ferritin.
1. What the Research Says
Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 4188 children were included, with certainty ranging from high to very low. No serious adverse events were reported and observed events were mainly mild gastrointestinal symptoms; larger, high-quality trials in high-risk populations are needed.
2. First Review on This Question
This is the first review on this question: it pools the existing individual studies, and there is no earlier review on it. Its result still needs to be confirmed by further studies.
3. Source
Every statement on this page carries its evidence tier — proven, plausible or hypothesis — and leads to the original work. The decision in the individual case rests with the practitioner; we provide the connections.