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The Effect of the Combination of Probiotics and Heavy Metals From Various Aspects in Humans: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trial Studies Publisher



Darbandi A1 ; Navidifar T2 ; Koupaei M1 ; Afifirad R3 ; Nezhad RA4 ; Emamie A5 ; Talebi M6, 7 ; Kakanj M8
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Molecular Microbiology Research Center, Shahed University, Theran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  8. 8. Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Food and Drug Administration, MOH&ME, Tehran, Iran

Source: Health Science Reports Published:2025


Abstract

Background and Aims: Probiotics usually have beneficial effects on the absorption of trace elements and detoxification of toxic metals in human. Hence, the aim of the systematic review was to evaluate various aspects of the effect of the combination of probiotics and heavy metals in human clinical trial studies. Methods: Nine databases were searched for clinical trials up to June 2024 investigating probiotics for heavy metal exposure in humans. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data on study characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and results. Risk of bias was assessed. Results: The analysis included 31 clinical trials with a total of 4,611 participants, focusing on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Among the trials, 23 investigated probiotics, five looked at prebiotics, and three explored synbiotics, with probiotic doses ranging from 107 to 2.5 × 1010 CFU/day. Results indicated that probiotics combined with zinc significantly reduced the time to resolution of vomiting and diarrhea compared to zinc alone, improved the treatment efficacy of antibiotic-associated diarrhea linked to pneumonia, and shortened hospital stays relative to probiotics alone. Probiotics did not show significant effects on blood parameters compared to placebo; however, prebiotic galactooligosaccharides enhanced iron absorption in women and children. The addition of probiotics to bismuth quadruple therapy did not improve Helicobacter pylori eradication rates but reduced side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. One trial reported a decrease in toxic metal levels in pregnant women due to probiotics, but no similar effects were observed in children. Conclusions: Probiotics are one of the new methods employed to improve or eliminate the adverse effects of heavy metals in the body. Although many studies have investigated the effects of probiotics on heavy metals, there is still a need for more in-depth and extensive studies. © 2025 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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