Effects of probiotic supplementation on disease progression in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial.

What was studied

This trial tested a Lactobacillus plantarum supplement in people with chronic kidney disease. They had stage 3 or 4 disease. It was double-blind and placebo-controlled. People took the supplement or placebo daily over a period of months. The main outcome was change in eGFR, a measure of kidney filtering.

What they found

The supplement group had a significant rise in eGFR. The placebo group had a significant fall. Treatment group was the only independent predictor of eGFR change. Benefits were seen in stage 3 and stage 4. They were also seen in people with and without diabetes. Urinary indoxyl sulfate did not differ significantly between groups. None in the supplement group had disease progression, while some in the placebo group did.

What it means for patients

The authors say the supplement improved eGFR in moderate to severe kidney disease. They say it seems to work in ways that do not involve lowering indoxyl sulfate.

Why it is not certain yet

The record lists this as an early-stage trial. The abstract does not give how long benefits last. The abstract does not report side effects. The way it works is unclear. Indoxyl sulfate did not explain the gain.

Source

Effects of probiotic supplementation on disease progression in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial.

We restate facts from the source record in our own words. The original wording belongs to its publisher.