Volume 30, Issue 170, April 2026

Effects of Probiotics on Gut Health, Immune Response, and Metabolic Processes - Systematic Review

Aleksandra Figzał^1♦, Maja Kondratowicz², Kamila Kałamarz¹, Kinga Żmuda³, Maciej Świerczyna⁴, Maja Czerniachowska⁵, Marcin Kaniewski², Martyna Wojnowska⁶, Wiktoria Polkowska⁷, Michał Grabek¹

¹Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital, Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
²The Independent Public Hospital No. 4, Lublin, Poland
³University Clinical Hospital of Opole al.W.Witosa 26 45-401 Opole, Poland
⁴Ministry of the Interior and Administration Hospital, Północna 42, 91-425 Łódź, Poland
⁵Medical University of Łódź, al. Kościuszki 4, 90-419 Łódź, Poland
⁶Mikolaj Pirogov Provincial Specialist Hospital, Wólczańska 191/195, 90-001 Łódź, Poland
⁷Central Clinical Hospital, Medical University of Łódź, Pomorska 251, 90-213 Łódź, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Aleksandra Figzał, Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital, Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Probiotics are microorganisms that help the body process nutrients, support the immune system, and maintain the health of the intestinal wall. If this balance is disrupted, a condition called dysbiosis can lead to problems not only in the gut but also throughout the body. Results: This review checks out studies published between January 2015 to May 2025, looking at how certain types of bacteria and yeast can help the gut's barrier work better. Research shows that certain types of friendly bacteria can help with some health problems caused by antibiotics, such as diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. They can also help control blood sugar levels. There is new evidence to suggest that this could have a positive influence on mental health by adjusting the connection that exists to the brain from the gut. Conclusion: Probiotics demonstrate favorable safety profiles with predominantly mild, transient adverse effects. Continued rigorous research and evidence-based clinical guidelines remain essential to optimize therapeutic applications. Personalized probiotic interventions and advanced delivery formulations represent promising areas for future development.

Keywords: probiotics; gut microbiota; gastrointestinal disorders; meta-analysis; evidence-based medicine

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e68ms3820

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Published: 09 April 2026