The effect of Probiotic fermented milk products on blood lipid concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Aim Fermented milk products are suggested as a supplementary therapy to help reduce blood lipid levels. However, the results of clinical studies are conflicting. Data synthesis This study systematically reviewed 39 randomized controlled trials (n = 2237 participants) to investigate the effect of probiotic fermented milk products on blood lipids. A meta-analysis was performed using random effects models, with weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistically significant reductions in blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: −7.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: from −10.04 to −4.65, and P  Conclusions Available evidence suggests that probiotic fermented milk products may help to reduce serum TC and LDL-C cholesterol levels, particularly in men and when they are consumed for ≥8 weeks.